Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $23.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in San Clemente, CA runs $23.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,103 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,856 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Clemente, California, the projected hourly pay for emergency medical technicians is set at $23.12 for 2026, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $22.62. This rate indicates a competitive edge for EMTs in this coastal city, reflecting both local demand and cost of living considerations. For those working part-time, such as those employed three days a week, earning this hourly pay means substantial take-home earnings; they could end up bringing in a considerable income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. Entry-level EMTs in San Clemente can expect to start at an hourly rate of approximately $17.05, while experienced or specialized technicians can earn up to $33.27, which highlights the substantial growth potential within the profession.
About the San Clemente 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) | $17.05 | $136.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.95 | $159.58 |
| Median (P50) | $23.12 | $184.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.67 | $213.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.27 | $266.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $23.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.12/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $48,093 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,746. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $924.87 | $4,008 | $48,093 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $554.92 | $2,405 | $28,856 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $369.95 | $1,603 | $19,237 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (San Clemente) | $23.12 |
| 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 San Clemente, CA earn a median of $48,103 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.22% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 0.60% below the California state average of $48,393.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.12/hr = $28,856/year (purchasing power: $25,514).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,093/year (purchasing power: $42,523).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$17.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.12/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in San Clemente (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in San Clemente grew 25.4% from $17.43/hr (2021) to $21.85/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.47/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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente
The typical part-time emergency medical technician working 24 hours a week would bring home over $26,000 annually, a notable sum when considered against the full-time earnings in the field. For per diem emergency medical technician pay in San Clemente, rates can vary widely depending on the type of assignment; private companies often offer between $20 and $32 per hour, while oil-field medics may see compensation soar to $70 per hour, heavily influenced by the site's remoteness and demand for skilled workers. The disparity between different employer types—whether in private ambulance companies, municipal fire departments, or specialized event medical services—explains varied compensation levels across the industry. Many EMTs face a trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits in the private sector and more stable pay with health insurance in municipal roles. Negotiating hourly pay in such scenarios requires an understanding of both market rates and the unique benefits offered by each type of employer.
More salary data for San Clemente, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in San Clemente 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 San Clemente. 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 San Clemente 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