Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Burlington, IA: $20.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Burlington, IA runs $20.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,766 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,660 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, the projected median hourly pay for emergency medical technicians is $20.56, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $22.62. This means that EMTs working in the region face a significant income disparity compared to their counterparts elsewhere in the U.S. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this hourly rate provides a steady income, especially in environments like hospital emergency departments or ambulance services. Per-diem EMTs, who may find themselves in diverse settings such as event medical tents or oil-field worksites, benefit differently. The hourly pay range for these professionals stretches from about $16.66 for entry-level positions to $27.28 for more experienced technicians, reflecting the varying demands and responsibilities tied to specific roles within Burlington’s healthcare system.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.66 | $133.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.92 | $143.32 |
| Median (P50) | $20.56 | $164.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.62 | $180.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.28 | $218.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $20.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.56/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, IA can expect to earn approximately $42,767 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,673. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $822.43 | $3,564 | $42,767 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $493.46 | $2,138 | $25,660 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $328.97 | $1,426 | $17,107 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Burlington) | $20.56 |
| 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 Burlington, IA earn a median of $42,766 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.12% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $44,548.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.56/hr = $25,660/year (purchasing power: $28,385).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,767/year (purchasing power: $47,308).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$15.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.56/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Burlington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Burlington grew 25.4% from $15.50/hr (2021) to $19.43/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.76/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 Burlington 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 Burlington
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time emergency medical technicians reveals an interesting dynamic. A three-day workweek at 24 hours equates to an annual take-home pay of approximately $26,000—considerably less than a full-time EMT's earnings, which can exceed $42,766 under various employment conditions. Per-diem or agency EMTs in Burlington often charge between $20 and $32 per hour, depending on the company and the job's urgency. Those working in specialized roles, such as oil-field medics, could earn substantially more, between $40 and $70 an hour, particularly in remote locations. Wage variations across employer types, from private ambulance services to municipal fire departments, reflect the trade-offs of benefits versus hourly rates. Fire department EMTs typically earn 2-3 times more than those in private companies due to union contracts. Negotiating pay can be beneficial; individuals seeking higher hourly wages should consider specialty roles that offer reduced benefits but greater pay, making it vital for EMTs in Burlington to understand their market value thoroughly.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Burlington in 2026?
How much do part-time emergency medical technicians make in Burlington?
Are emergency medical technicians in Burlington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time emergency medical technician make per year in Burlington?
Do emergency medical technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Burlington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Burlington. 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 Burlington 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