Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Westminster, CA: $23.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Westminster, CA runs $23.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,892 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Westminster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,331 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westminster, California, emergency medical technicians earn a median hourly rate of $23.50, slightly above the national average of $22.62. This competitive pay positions EMTs well among various employment settings, including ambulance services, fire department medical bays, and even event medical tents. For part-time or per-diem workers, such as those covering shifts three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a reliable income while affording the flexibility that many seek in this line of work. The hourly range for EMTs varies, with entry-level positions starting around $17.88, while more experienced technicians can earn up to $33.15 per hour. These figures reflect the estimated hourly rates derived from annual salary data, offering a solid understanding of the compensation landscape.
About the Westminster 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) | $17.88 | $143.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.84 | $158.73 |
| Median (P50) | $23.50 | $188.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.66 | $213.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.15 | $265.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westminster
Based on $23.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.50/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westminster, CA can expect to earn approximately $48,885 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,203. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westminster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westminster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $940.10 | $4,074 | $48,885 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $564.06 | $2,444 | $29,331 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.04 | $1,630 | $19,554 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Westminster) | $23.50 |
| 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 Westminster, CA earn a median of $48,892 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.90% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 1.10% above the California state average of $48,360.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.50/hr = $29,331/year (purchasing power: $25,934).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,885/year (purchasing power: $43,223).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$17.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.50/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Westminster (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Westminster grew 25.4% from $17.72/hr (2021) to $22.21/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.87/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 Westminster 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 Westminster
Looking at the earning potential, a part-time emergency medical technician working two shifts of 12 hours each week can expect to take home about $28,224 annually, compared to full-time counterparts who typically earn more substantial sums. Per-diem emergency medical technician pay in Westminster typically ranges from $20 to $32 per hour with private companies, demonstrating the variability in hourly wages within different employment models. It’s not uncommon for oil-field medics to command $40 to $70 per hour, depending on their work environment, which can significantly affect overall earning potential. Furthermore, hourly rates differ among employer types in Westminster, from higher wages offered by municipal fire departments compared to private EMS companies. EMTs often face the choice between opting for higher hourly pay without benefits or more modest pay that includes health insurance, which can influence their job satisfaction and long-term career strategy. Negotiating pay effectively requires an understanding of local market rates, employer budget constraints, and the unique circumstances of Westminster's diverse medical service landscape.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Westminster in 2026?
How much do part-time emergency medical technicians make in Westminster?
Are emergency medical technicians in Westminster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time emergency medical technician make per year in Westminster?
Do emergency medical technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Westminster?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Westminster. 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 Westminster 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