Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Anaheim, CA: $23.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Anaheim, CA runs $23.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,564 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Anaheim's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,133 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Anaheim, California, the average emergency medical technician (EMT) earns a median hourly pay of $23.34, making it slightly more competitive than the national median of $22.62 for similar roles. This hourly rate allows for a manageable living for EMTs working part-time or on a per-diem basis, which is common in various settings such as ambulance patient compartments, fire engine medical bays, and event medical tents. For individuals considering roles in this field, the hourly pay range in Anaheim spans from $16.87 for entry-level positions to $34.35 for more experienced and specialized technicians. This flexibility offers opportunities not only for full-time EMTs but also for those who seek a balance between work and personal life, with many part-time roles requiring just two to three shifts a week.
About the Anaheim Market
Salary estimated from California average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.87 | $134.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.14 | $153.14 |
| Median (P50) | $23.34 | $186.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.05 | $216.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.35 | $274.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anaheim
Based on $23.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.34/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anaheim, CA can expect to earn approximately $48,555 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,013. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anaheim.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anaheim
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $933.76 | $4,046 | $48,555 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $560.25 | $2,428 | $29,133 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.50 | $1,619 | $19,422 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Anaheim) | $23.34 |
| Paramedic (National Avg) | $27.18 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.62 |
| Firefighter (National Avg) | $26.89 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.25 |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Anaheim, CA earn a median of $48,564 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.20% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 0.40% above the California state average of $48,370.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.34/hr = $29,133/year (purchasing power: $25,759).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,555/year (purchasing power: $42,931).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$17.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.34/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Anaheim (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Anaheim grew 25.4% from $17.60/hr (2021) to $22.06/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.70/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem emergency medical technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anaheim metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.82% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Emergency Medical Technician in Anaheim
When analyzing the financial landscape further, a part-time EMT working three days a week can take home significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, sparking interest in per-diem roles. Per diem emergency medical technician pay in Anaheim typically ranges from $20 to $32 per hour at private agencies, with the potential for higher earnings in specialized domains such as oil-field medic roles offering $40 to $70 per hour for more demanding rotations. Municipal fire department EMTs usually command higher hourly wages due to union contracts, emphasizing the discrepancies among different employer types, from private ambulance services to event medical coverage. This variability also extends to the decision-making process regarding benefits: some may choose lower hourly wages for the security of health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. As negotiating hourly rates can be particularly nuanced in Anaheim’s diverse job market, being aware of salary expectations within specific sectors is essential for prospective EMTs looking to maximize their earnings.
More salary data for Anaheim, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Anaheim in 2026?
How much do part-time emergency medical technicians make in Anaheim?
Are emergency medical technicians in Anaheim paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time emergency medical technician make per year in Anaheim?
Do emergency medical technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Anaheim?
Related Pages
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Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for emergency medical technicians in Anaheim. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Anaheim is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for emergency medical technicians (SOC 29-2042).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov