Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $23.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in San Rafael, CA runs $23.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,076 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,450 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for emergency medical technicians in San Rafael, California, is projected to be $23.60, which is notably above the national median hourly rate of $22.62. This higher rate not only reflects the local demand for EMTs but also the cost of living in San Rafael, making it an attractive option for those seeking employment in this field. For part-time workers, typically putting in about 24 hours a week over three days, the earning potential is substantial yet varies depending on demand and specific job locations—whether in ambulance patient compartments, fire engine medical bays, or at events. Those starting in the profession might earn as little as $18.16 per hour, while experienced practitioners can reach up to $32.53 per hour, underscoring the potential for growth within this essential role.
About the San Rafael 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) | $18.16 | $145.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.02 | $160.17 |
| Median (P50) | $23.60 | $188.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.36 | $210.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.53 | $260.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $23.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.60/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $49,084 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,317. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $943.91 | $4,090 | $49,084 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $566.35 | $2,454 | $29,450 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $377.57 | $1,636 | $19,633 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (San Rafael) | $23.60 |
| 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 Rafael, CA earn a median of $49,076 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.29% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 1.50% above the California state average of $48,351.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.60/hr = $29,450/year (purchasing power: $26,039).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,084/year (purchasing power: $43,398).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$17.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.60/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in San Rafael (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in San Rafael grew 25.4% from $17.79/hr (2021) to $22.30/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.97/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 Rafael 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 Rafael
Exploring the specifics of part-time versus full-time earnings reveals a noteworthy distinction in annual take-home pay. An EMT working three days a week for 24 hours can expect to bring home about $29,491, significantly less than what a full-time colleague would earn but still a viable income considering flexibility. Many EMTs opt for per diem roles, billing anywhere from $20 to $32 per hour with private companies, while specialized roles like oil-field medics can command rates of $40 to $70 per hour, depending on their work conditions. Different employer types also offer varying pay scales: municipal fire departments typically provide higher wages due to union contracts as compared to private ambulance services. Those in San Rafael often navigate between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates with health insurance. Skilled negotiation can make a significant difference, particularly when discussing employment terms and pay structures, especially as EMTs in the region remain in high demand.
More salary data for San Rafael, 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 San Rafael. 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 Rafael 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