Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Merced, CA: $22.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Merced, CA runs $22.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,996 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Merced's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,196 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Merced, CA, emergency medical technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $22.59. This figure is just slightly below the national median of $22.62, suggesting that EMTs in the area remain competitive in pay. The hourly rate provides significant earning potential for both part-time personnel typically working three days a week in settings like ambulance services, fire departments, or event medical tents. Entry-level EMTs may start at around $16.99 per hour, while top earners in specialized roles may see rates as high as $31.51. This hourly data is projected for 2026, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, and reflects a variety of roles within the field.
About the Merced 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) | $16.99 | $135.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.86 | $150.86 |
| Median (P50) | $22.59 | $180.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.41 | $203.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.51 | $252.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merced
Based on $22.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.59/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merced, CA can expect to earn approximately $46,993 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,111. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Merced.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merced
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $903.70 | $3,916 | $46,993 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $542.22 | $2,350 | $28,196 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $361.48 | $1,566 | $18,797 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Merced) | $22.59 |
| 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 Merced, CA earn a median of $46,996 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.13% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 2.80% below the California state average of $48,350.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.59/hr = $28,196/year (purchasing power: $24,930).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,993/year (purchasing power: $41,550).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$17.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.59/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Merced (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Merced grew 25.4% from $17.03/hr (2021) to $21.35/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.91/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 Merced 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 Merced
For those considering part-time shifts, an EMT working 24 hours a week could take home about $28,059 annually, compared to a full-time peer who would earn significantly more based on a 40-hour workweek. Some EMTs explore agency or per diem work, which typically yields pay rates ranging from $20 to $32 hourly for event coverage, while oil-field medics can command impressive daily rates of $40 to $70 for remote assignments. Hourly pay often varies among employers, with municipal fire departments generally offering better compensation due to union contracts compared to private ambulance firms. It’s common for EMTs to weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly rates available in more flexible positions. Effective negotiation can help secure competitive pay, emphasizing local shortage areas or specialized skills when discussing wages.
More salary data for Merced, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Merced in 2026?
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Are emergency medical technicians in Merced paid hourly or salary?
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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 Merced. 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 Merced 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