Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Laurel, MD: $23.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Laurel, MD runs $23.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,860 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,318 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Maryland, the emergency medical technician hourly pay is projected to reach $23.49 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $22.62. This hourly rate solidifies the city as an attractive option for those considering a career in this field, especially for part-time or per-diem workers. For instance, a part-time EMT working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can still generate a considerable income working in settings such as ambulance services, fire departments, or event medical support. Entry-level EMTs can expect at least $18.85 per hour, while more experienced technicians, particularly in higher demand roles, might earn up to $32.47 per hour. These figures offer a diverse earning potential depending on experience, location, and employment type in the Laurel area.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.85 | $150.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.37 | $162.96 |
| Median (P50) | $23.49 | $187.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.51 | $212.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.47 | $259.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $23.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.49/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MD can expect to earn approximately $48,863 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,190. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $939.68 | $4,072 | $48,863 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.81 | $2,443 | $29,318 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.87 | $1,629 | $19,545 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Laurel) | $23.49 |
| 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 Laurel, MD earn a median of $48,860 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $51,432.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.49/hr = $29,318/year (purchasing power: $26,823).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,863/year (purchasing power: $44,706).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$17.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.49/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Laurel (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Laurel grew 25.4% from $17.71/hr (2021) to $22.20/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.86/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
Examining the earning potential for emergency medical technicians shows how varied hourly wages can be based on employment context. A part-time EMT averaging $23.49 per hour can bring home around $29,237 annually, a notable income compared to those working full-time. Per diem roles can also be lucrative; event EMTs typically charge between $20 and $32 per hour, while oil-field medics may command $40 to $70 per hour based on location and job demands. Furthermore, there can be significant differences in pay based on the employer type, with private ambulance companies offering lower wages compared to municipal fire department positions, which often benefit from union contracts. This pay disparity can impact job satisfaction and overall financial health. Some technicians may accept lower hourly pay for positions that include benefits like health insurance, while others favor higher hourly rates without such perks. Negotiating pay in Laurel can hinge on understanding these factors and the local job market, allowing EMTs to better advocate for their worth in various emergency medical settings.
More salary data for Laurel, MD:
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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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