Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Chula Vista, CA: $22.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Chula Vista, CA runs $22.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,213 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Chula Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,733 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chula Vista, the emergency medical technician hourly pay is projected to be $22.22 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $22.62. This rate is particularly relevant for part-time workers, such as those who may opt for a 3-day workweek, allowing them to earn around $1,066 monthly through 24 hours of work each week. Per-diem EMTs, who work on an as-needed basis at varying venues like event medical tents or oil-field sites, can expect rates ranging from approximately $15.43 for entry-level positions to as high as $31.98 for seasoned professionals or those in high-demand roles. Essentially, the hourly pay for emergency medical technicians in Chula Vista reflects both the local job market conditions and the critical roles they fulfill in diverse settings including hospitals and emergency response units.
About the Chula Vista 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) | $15.43 | $123.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.09 | $152.72 |
| Median (P50) | $22.22 | $177.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.28 | $202.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.98 | $255.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chula Vista
Based on $22.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.22/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chula Vista, CA can expect to earn approximately $46,222 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,667. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chula Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chula Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $888.89 | $3,852 | $46,222 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $533.33 | $2,311 | $27,733 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $355.56 | $1,541 | $18,489 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Chula Vista) | $22.22 |
| 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 Chula Vista, CA earn a median of $46,213 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.80% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 4.50% below the California state average of $48,390.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.22/hr = $27,733/year (purchasing power: $24,521).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,222/year (purchasing power: $40,868).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$16.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.22/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Chula Vista (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Chula Vista grew 25.4% from $16.75/hr (2021) to $21.00/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.52/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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista
A part-time emergency medical technician working three days a week may potentially earn an annual income of around $12,792, a stark contrast to full-time colleagues whose annual earnings can reach more than double that amount. In the realm of per-diem emergency medical technician pay in Chula Vista, hourly compensation varies widely; private company EMTs typically earn between $20-$32, while oil-field medics may command rates from $40 to $70 an hour depending on their location and the type of assignments. This disparity illustrates how employer types influence pay, with municipal fire department EMTs often benefiting from union contracts that provide substantial health benefits, which can make a lower hourly pay more appealing compared to agency gigs that offer higher rates but lack stability. For those looking to negotiate their hourly pay, understanding the local market and recognizing the trade-offs between pay and benefits can be crucial in securing a position that aligns with both financial needs and career goals.
More salary data for Chula Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Chula Vista. 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 Chula Vista 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