Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Tustin, CA: $23.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Tustin, CA runs $23.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,322 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Tustin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,988 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tustin, California, the emergency medical technician hourly pay is projected at $23.23 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $22.62. This competitive rate can significantly impact the livelihoods of part-time and per-diem workers, who typically operate in various high-pressure environments such as ambulance compartments, fire engine medical bays, and event medical tents. The hourly range for EMTs in Tustin varies from $17.23 for entry-level positions to about $32.22 for those in upper percentile earnings, allowing flexibility for both new entrants to the field and seasoned providers seeking higher compensation. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, give potential candidates a clear idea of what they might expect, setting a baseline for negotiations in a city where cost of living can be above the national average.
About the Tustin 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) | $17.23 | $137.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.28 | $154.24 |
| Median (P50) | $23.23 | $185.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.01 | $208.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.22 | $257.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tustin
Based on $23.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.23/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tustin, CA can expect to earn approximately $48,313 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,873. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tustin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tustin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $929.10 | $4,026 | $48,313 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $557.46 | $2,416 | $28,988 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $371.64 | $1,610 | $19,325 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Tustin) | $23.23 |
| 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 Tustin, CA earn a median of $48,322 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.69% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 0.10% below the California state average of $48,370.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.23/hr = $28,988/year (purchasing power: $25,630).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,313/year (purchasing power: $42,717).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$17.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.23/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Tustin (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Tustin grew 25.4% from $17.51/hr (2021) to $21.95/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.58/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 Tustin 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 Tustin
Exploring part-time earning potential, an emergency medical technician working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, would earn approximately $29,928 annually before taxes. This contrasts starkly with full-time workers who can expect to take home over $48,000 yearly. The landscape of per-diem and locum work offers varying financial prospects; for instance, per diem emergency medical technicians in Tustin may earn rates ranging from $20 to $32 per hour, while specialized roles, like oil-field medics, can yield significantly higher pay from $40 to $70 per hour, attracting those willing to work in remote locations. Hourly rates also diverge between employer types — fire department EMTs often secure much higher pay due to union contracts compared to those employed by private ambulance services. An important aspect to consider is the trade-off between higher hourly wages and the benefits package; some EMTs may opt for lower pay in exchange for health insurance and retirement benefits. Negotiating effectively for hourly pay can make a substantial difference in overall satisfaction and financial security in Tustin's competitive EMT market.
More salary data for Tustin, 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 Tustin. 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 Tustin 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