Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $23.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Chico, CA runs $23.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,395 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,041 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Chico, California’s emergency medical technician hourly pay averages around $23.27, surpassing the national median of $22.62. This figure significantly influences both part-time and per-diem workers, especially those who operate in various settings like ambulance patient compartments, fire engine medical bays, and even event venue medical tents. For individuals working a typical part-time schedule of three days a week, the range can become quite dynamic, with entry-level technicians earning as little as $18.14/hr, while top earners can receive up to $33.48/hr. This hourly pay structure is reflective of the annual salary data, providing a useful lens through which potential EMTs can assess their earning potential as they embark on or advance in their careers.
About the Chico 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) | $18.14 | $145.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.99 | $159.92 |
| Median (P50) | $23.27 | $186.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.71 | $213.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.48 | $267.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $23.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.27/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $48,401 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,924. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $930.79 | $4,033 | $48,401 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $558.48 | $2,420 | $29,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $372.32 | $1,613 | $19,360 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Chico) | $23.27 |
| 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 Chico, CA earn a median of $48,395 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.84% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 0.10% above the California state average of $48,346.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.27/hr = $29,041/year (purchasing power: $25,677).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,401/year (purchasing power: $42,795).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$17.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.27/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Chico (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Chico grew 25.4% from $17.54/hr (2021) to $21.99/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.62/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 Chico 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 Chico
Part-time emergency medical technicians working 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $29,000 annually, which is significantly less than a full-time counterpart but still presents an attractive option for those balancing multiple commitments. Per diem pay in Chico varies widely; while event EMTs usually bill between $20 and $32/hr, oil-field medics can command $40 to $70/hr depending on their location and working conditions. Employers such as private ambulance services, municipal fire departments, and hospital-based EMS differentiate wildly in their hourly wage offerings, with fire department positions often yielding higher compensation due to union agreements. EMTs may find themselves weighing benefits against hourly wages; those opting for positions with comprehensive health insurance may earn less per hour but enjoy significant advantages in terms of stability and health coverage. When negotiating hourly pay, it’s crucial for emergency medical technicians in Chico to research current rates across different employers, as well as consider the added value of ancillary benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Chico in 2026?
How much do part-time emergency medical technicians make in Chico?
Are emergency medical technicians in Chico paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time emergency medical technician make per year in Chico?
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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 Chico. 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 Chico 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