Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Berkeley, CA: $23.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Berkeley, CA runs $23.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,551 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Berkeley'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
Emergency medical technicians in Berkeley, California, earn a median hourly rate of $23.34, which surpasses the national median of $22.62. This rate is particularly relevant for those considering part-time work, such as individuals who might work three days a week in various settings, including ambulance patient compartments, hospital emergency departments, and other medical support areas. The hourly pay ranges from $18.24 at the entry-level to $32.29 for those in higher earning brackets, indicating potential for advancement within this field. These figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS data for 2026, reflecting the evolving demand for emergency medical services within the community.
About the Berkeley 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) | $18.24 | $145.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.14 | $161.10 |
| Median (P50) | $23.34 | $186.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.97 | $207.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.29 | $258.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| 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 (Berkeley) | $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 Berkeley, CA earn a median of $48,551 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.17% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 0.40% above the California state average of $48,358.
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 Berkeley (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 | $30.56/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
In analyzing the earning potential for emergency medical technicians in Berkeley, part-time workers operating on a 24-hour weekly schedule might take home around $28,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. The per diem aspect reflects a vibrant market, where EMTs can make between $20 and $32 per hour for event coverage, while those in more remote oil-field roles could see rates of $40 to $70 depending on the location and contract. Wages greatly vary depending on the type of employer, with private ambulance firms often offering lower pay compared to municipal fire departments, where firefighter-EMTs typically earn much more due to union contracts. This discrepancy can lead some EMTs to prioritize benefits, such as health insurance packages, over higher hourly rates, especially when negotiating their pay rates. Understanding the nuances of employer types in the Berkeley area can significantly influence compensation outcomes for emergency medical technicians.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Berkeley in 2026?
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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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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