Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Long Beach, CA: $23.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Long Beach, CA runs $23.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,873 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Long Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,724 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Long Beach, California, the projected emergency medical technician hourly pay for 2026 is estimated at $23.02, slightly above the national median of $22.62. This competitive rate is significant for part-time workers, especially those who may work three days a week, as it allows for a substantial income while providing flexibility. For EMTs in various settings—including ambulance services, hospitals, and event medical tents—the hourly earnings can vary widely. Entry-level positions may start around $16.14, while those with extensive experience can earn up to $34.71 hourly. Additionally, the range from low to high pay highlights the opportunities for advancement and specialization within the field, giving motivated professionals multiple pathways to increase their earnings.
About the Long Beach 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) | $16.14 | $129.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.83 | $158.65 |
| Median (P50) | $23.02 | $184.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.19 | $217.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.71 | $277.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Long Beach
Based on $23.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.02/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Long Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $47,873 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,619. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Long Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Long Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $920.63 | $3,989 | $47,873 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $552.38 | $2,394 | $28,724 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $368.25 | $1,596 | $19,149 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Long Beach) | $23.02 |
| 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 Long Beach, CA earn a median of $47,873 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.73% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 1.00% below the California state average of $48,357.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.02/hr = $28,724/year (purchasing power: $25,397).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,873/year (purchasing power: $42,328).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$17.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.02/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Long Beach (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Long Beach grew 25.4% from $17.35/hr (2021) to $21.75/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.36/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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Exploring the earnings potential for part-time EMTs reveals interesting dynamics. A three-day workweek (averaging 24 hours) can yield approximately $28,000 annually, which is significantly less than the earnings of full-time staff yet still provides decent compensation. The per-diem emergency medical technician pay in Long Beach varies, as those working with private companies typically bill between $20 and $32 per hour, while specialized roles such as oil-field medics can earn upwards of $40 to $70 per hour, reflecting both demand and skill level. Hourly rates also fluctuate across employers; fire department EMTs often earn more due to union contracts compared to those employed by private ambulance services, who historically earn less. Understanding the trade-offs in hourly pay, such as lower wages for positions providing health benefits, can help EMTs make informed career choices. For those negotiating salaries, emphasizing specialized skills or certifications can be advantageous, particularly in a competitive job market like Long Beach's.
More salary data for Long Beach, 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 Long Beach. 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 Long Beach 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