Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Normal, IL: $20.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Normal, IL runs $20.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,135 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Normal's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,277 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Emergency Medical Technicians in Normal, Illinois earn a projected median hourly pay of $20.25 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $22.62. For part-time workers, such as those committed to three shifts a week, this hourly rate translates into approximately $1,200 per month, which is a manageable amount for many individuals or families. Per-diem emergency medical technician pay in Normal often reflects similar patterns, where E.M.T.s in settings such as ambulance response, hospital emergency departments, or event medical services can expect to earn between $15.17 at the lower end to about $28.17 for more experienced practitioners. Notably, with annual salary estimates converted to hourly rates, entry-level positions offer competitive pay relative to local cost of living, which sits below the national average at a cost of living index of 97.1.
About the Normal Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.17 | $121.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.86 | $134.86 |
| Median (P50) | $20.25 | $162.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.73 | $181.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.17 | $225.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Normal
Based on $20.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.25/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Normal, IL can expect to earn approximately $42,128 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,305. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Normal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Normal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $810.16 | $3,511 | $42,128 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $486.09 | $2,106 | $25,277 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $324.06 | $1,404 | $16,851 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Normal) | $20.25 |
| 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 Normal, IL earn a median of $42,135 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.46% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $43,439.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.25/hr = $25,277/year (purchasing power: $26,032).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,128/year (purchasing power: $43,386).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$15.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.25/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Normal (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Normal grew 25.4% from $15.27/hr (2021) to $19.14/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.43/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 Normal 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 Normal
For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week translates to annual earnings significantly less than those of full-time employees, particularly for emergency medical technicians who might earn around $31,553 at the lowest decile. On the other hand, per-diem rates for emergency medical technicians in Normal can vary widely, with event EMTs billing between $20 and $32 per hour, while those in specialized roles like oil-field medic positions could yield between $40-$70 an hour depending on the job specifics and location. When evaluating employment options, individuals may find that private ambulance and EMS company pay does not always compete favorably with fire departments, which often provide a more stable income and benefits. Negotiating higher wages becomes critical, and technicians should consider their long-term career aims, particularly if transitioning to paramedic roles.
More salary data for Normal, IL:
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 Normal. 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 Normal 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