Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Chelmsford, MA: $22.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Chelmsford, MA runs $22.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,869 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Chelmsford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,522 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the projected hourly pay for emergency medical technicians is estimated at $22.05 for 2026. This figure is slightly lower than the national median of $22.62 per hour, reflecting local economic factors and the overall job market in MA. For part-time EMTs working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a manageable income, allowing individuals to balance work across various settings, from fire department medical bays to event venue medical tents. The hourly earnings for Chelmsford EMTs range from $17.62 for entry-level positions to about $30.56 for those at the top of the pay scale, providing a pathway for earnings growth as they gain experience and additional training.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.62 | $140.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.14 | $153.14 |
| Median (P50) | $22.05 | $176.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.87 | $198.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.56 | $244.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelmsford
Based on $22.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.05/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelmsford, MA can expect to earn approximately $45,870 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,463. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelmsford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelmsford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $882.12 | $3,823 | $45,870 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $529.27 | $2,294 | $27,522 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $352.85 | $1,529 | $18,348 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Chelmsford) | $22.05 |
| 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 Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $45,869 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.53% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $48,232.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.05/hr = $27,522/year (purchasing power: $25,366).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,870/year (purchasing power: $42,277).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$16.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.05/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Chelmsford (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Chelmsford grew 25.4% from $16.62/hr (2021) to $20.84/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.34/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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
For EMTs considering part-time work in Chelmsford, a typical schedule of 24 hours per week could yield a substantial income, albeit less than a full-time role. While the per diem emergency medical technician pay in Chelmsford typically ranges from $20 to $32 per hour at private companies, those on oil-field medic rotations can earn significantly more, often between $40 and $70 per hour depending on the work’s location. Hourly rates can also vary based on the employer type; for instance, municipal fire department EMTs—often cross-trained as firefighters—tend to earn considerably more due to union contracts compared to their counterparts in private ambulance services. EMTs often have to consider the trade-off between hourly pay and benefits like health insurance. While it might be tempting to accept positions with higher hourly rates but no benefits, securing a well-rounded compensation package that includes health coverage can provide long-term security. For those negotiating hourly pay, understanding local market rates and aligning them with their certifications is crucial for success in this competitive field.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford 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