Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Salina, KS: $19.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Salina, KS runs $19.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,391 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Salina's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,841 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Salina, Kansas, the projected hourly pay for an emergency medical technician (EMT) is estimated at $19.90 for 2026. This figure is notable when juxtaposed against the national hourly median of $22.62, indicating a local pay structure that could be perceived as uncompetitive. For part-time workers operating on a 3-day workweek, this hourly wage translates into about $1,598 monthly before taxes, which impacts their decision-making regarding full-time work in various settings such as ambulances, hospital emergency departments, and event medical services. The hourly rate fluctuates significantly as well, with entry-level EMTs earning approximately $16.56, while those in more senior or specialized roles can make up to $26.33, illustrating a wide spectrum of earning potential within the profession.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.56 | $132.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.70 | $141.63 |
| Median (P50) | $19.90 | $159.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.67 | $173.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.33 | $210.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salina
Based on $19.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.90/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salina, KS can expect to earn approximately $41,402 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,886. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Salina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salina
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $796.19 | $3,450 | $41,402 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $477.71 | $2,070 | $24,841 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $318.48 | $1,380 | $16,561 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Salina) | $19.90 |
| 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 Salina, KS earn a median of $41,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.04% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 3.20% below the Kansas state average of $42,760.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.90/hr = $24,841/year (purchasing power: $27,328).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,402/year (purchasing power: $45,547).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$15.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.90/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Salina (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Salina grew 25.4% from $15.00/hr (2021) to $18.81/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.06/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 Salina 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 Salina
For those considering part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week for a total of 24 hours, an EMT in Salina may take home around $19,188 annually. In contrast, full-time positions allow for a more stable income but may require navigating various employer types, including private ambulance services and municipal fire departments, with pay nuances based on benefits and work expectations. Per diem emergency medical technician pay in Salina can also vary; some event EMTs charge between $20 to $32 per hour, while oil-field medics could see rates soaring to $40-$70 per hour depending on the worksite's remoteness. For workers considering their options, it becomes crucial to weigh the trade-offs of higher hourly wages without benefits, like health insurance, against potential security offered by lower-paying but stable positions in fire departments or county EMS systems. For successful negotiations, EMTs in Salina should be prepared to highlight their training under the NREMT certification and discuss the disparity in pay associated with different job environments.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
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 Salina. 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 Salina 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