Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Council Bluffs, IA: $20.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Council Bluffs, IA runs $20.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,013 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Council Bluffs's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,805 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Council Bluffs, the projected median hourly pay for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) is $20.68, which falls below the national median of $22.62. This rate is significant for part-time or per-diem EMTs, who often work in various environments such as ambulance compartments, hospital emergency departments, and event venues. The hourly pay can range from $15.87 for entry-level positions to as high as $28.60 for experienced professionals. Such earnings can dramatically impact part-timers working only three days per week, reflecting the vital role EMTs play within the community. Understanding the hourly landscape is essential, as it enables aspiring EMTs to make informed decisions regarding potential employers and career paths within the healthcare system.
About the Council Bluffs 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) | $15.87 | $126.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.57 | $140.53 |
| Median (P50) | $20.68 | $165.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.57 | $188.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.60 | $228.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Council Bluffs
Based on $20.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.68/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Council Bluffs, IA can expect to earn approximately $43,009 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,813. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Council Bluffs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Council Bluffs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $827.09 | $3,584 | $43,009 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $496.25 | $2,150 | $25,805 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $330.84 | $1,434 | $17,203 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Council Bluffs) | $20.68 |
| 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 Council Bluffs, IA earn a median of $43,013 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.60% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 3.40% below the Iowa state average of $44,527.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.68/hr = $25,805/year (purchasing power: $28,546).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,009/year (purchasing power: $47,576).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$15.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.68/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Council Bluffs (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Council Bluffs grew 25.4% from $15.59/hr (2021) to $19.54/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.88/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 Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs
Examining part-time employment reveals that an emergency medical technician who works a typical 24-hour week could potentially earn around $32,000 annually. This is in stark contrast to full-time EMTs, providing critical insight for job seekers in Council Bluffs. Per-diem emergency medical technician pay in the area can vary widely, with private companies typically offering rates between $20 and $32 per hour, while specialized roles, such as oil-field medics, may command $40 to $70 per hour depending on their location. Employers also play a significant role in shaping pay; those working for municipal fire departments often earn considerably more due to union contracts, compared to private ambulance companies. While some EMTs may prioritize benefits over hourly rates, it’s essential for workers to negotiate terms based on their personal situations. Understanding the variability in pay across different EMT roles can empower professionals to make strategic career decisions in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Council Bluffs, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Council Bluffs in 2026?
How much do part-time emergency medical technicians make in Council Bluffs?
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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 Council Bluffs. 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 Council Bluffs 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