Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Lafayette, CO: $22.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Lafayette, CO runs $22.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,853 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,116 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Emergency medical technicians in Lafayette, Colorado, can expect a median hourly pay of $22.53 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $22.62. This rate is quite significant for both full-time and part-time workers, particularly those who may be looking at part-time roles, such as a typical 24-hour week over three days. These EMTs find themselves in diverse environments, ranging from ambulance services and hospital emergency departments to fire engine medical bays and event medical tents. The hourly pay can vary substantially, with entry-level positions starting around $16.89 and more experienced technicians earning upwards of $31.20, indicating a breadth of opportunities within the local sector for varying pay levels based on experience and employer type.
About the Lafayette Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.89 | $135.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.04 | $160.34 |
| Median (P50) | $22.53 | $180.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.54 | $196.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.20 | $249.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $22.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.53/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, CO can expect to earn approximately $46,860 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,035. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $901.16 | $3,905 | $46,860 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $540.70 | $2,343 | $28,116 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $360.47 | $1,562 | $18,744 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Lafayette) | $22.53 |
| 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 Lafayette, CO earn a median of $46,853 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.44% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 3.20% below the Colorado state average of $48,402.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.53/hr = $28,116/year (purchasing power: $26,777).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,860/year (purchasing power: $44,629).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$16.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.53/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Lafayette (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Lafayette grew 25.4% from $16.98/hr (2021) to $21.29/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.84/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
When considering part-time earnings, a 3-day-a-week emergency medical technician in Lafayette can take home approximately $28,020 annually, making it a viable option compared to a full-time role with a higher income ceiling. For those working as per diem emergency medical technicians, rates fluctuate widely based on the setting: private companies often pay between $20-$32 per hour, while oil-field medics can earn $40-$70 per hour depending on job location and conditions. Furthermore, rates differ among various employer types in Lafayette; municipal fire departments that employ cross-trained firefighter-EMTs typically offer better pay compared to some private ambulance services due to union contracts. This disparity encourages EMTs to evaluate trade-offs between jobs that offer lower hourly wages with health benefits versus those with higher rates lacking such perks. To successfully negotiate an hourly rate, understanding local pay standards and demonstrating relevant experience can help professionals position themselves effectively within Lafayette’s evolving emergency medical technician landscape.
More salary data for Lafayette, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Lafayette in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette 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