Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Brentwood, CA: $23.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Brentwood, CA runs $23.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,249 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Brentwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,948 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Brentwood, California, emergency medical technicians are expected to earn a median hourly rate of $23.20 in 2026, which is slightly higher than the national median of $22.62. This hourly pay is significant for part-time technicians, especially those working three days a week, as they can earn a decent income while balancing other commitments. Per-diem workers in this field often find roles in various settings, including ambulance patient compartments, fire engine medical bays, and event medical tents. The hourly range for emergency medical technicians in Brentwood varies widely, from around $17.24 for entry-level positions to $33.58 for more experienced professionals. Many factors influence these rates, including the technician's experience, employer type, and regional demand, making this profession both accessible and potentially lucrative for those willing to put in the effort.
About the Brentwood 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) | $17.24 | $137.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.21 | $153.65 |
| Median (P50) | $23.20 | $185.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.94 | $207.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.58 | $268.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brentwood
Based on $23.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.20/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brentwood, CA can expect to earn approximately $48,247 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,835. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brentwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brentwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $927.83 | $4,021 | $48,247 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $556.70 | $2,412 | $28,948 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $371.13 | $1,608 | $19,299 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Brentwood) | $23.20 |
| 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 Brentwood, CA earn a median of $48,249 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.53% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 0.30% below the California state average of $48,394.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.20/hr = $28,948/year (purchasing power: $25,595).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,247/year (purchasing power: $42,659).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$17.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.20/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Brentwood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Brentwood grew 25.4% from $17.48/hr (2021) to $21.92/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.55/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 Brentwood 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 Brentwood
In analyzing the earning potential for emergency medical technicians in Brentwood, part-time employees working 24 hours a week typically gross about $29,798 annually, a respectable figure compared to full-time technicians. Per-diem or agency EMTs often bill anywhere from $20 to $32 per hour with private companies, while oil-field medics see higher compensation ranging from $40 to $70 per hour, reflecting the job's remoteness and demand. Hourly rates also differ significantly depending on the employer; municipal fire departments generally offer higher compensation than private ambulance services, which have historically lagged behind due to inadequate wage adjustments. Some EMTs may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like healthcare, whereas others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating hourly rates, emphasizing experience and specialized skills can be an effective strategy in this competitive field within Brentwood, CA, especially given the projected 5.82% growth rate in job openings for emergency medical technicians in the coming years.
More salary data for Brentwood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Brentwood 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 Brentwood. 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 Brentwood 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