Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Laurel, MS: $17.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Laurel, MS runs $17.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,298 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 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,385 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Mississippi, the projected emergency medical technician hourly pay for 2026 stands at $17.94, significantly lower than the national median of $22.62. This disparity highlights the regional differences in compensation for EMTs, especially for those working part-time or in per-diem positions typical in settings such as ambulance services, hospital emergency departments, and event medical tents. For individuals working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into an annual income that may not fully reflect the commitment and expertise required. Entry-level EMTs can expect to earn around $14.98 per hour, while the highest earners in this field can reach up to $23.56, depending on their level of experience and the specific demands of their employer.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($28,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.98 | $119.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.89 | $127.15 |
| Median (P50) | $17.94 | $143.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.63 | $157.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.56 | $188.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $17.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.94/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MS can expect to earn approximately $37,308 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,524. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $717.46 | $3,109 | $37,308 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $430.48 | $1,865 | $22,385 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $286.98 | $1,244 | $14,923 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Laurel) | $17.94 |
| 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, MS earn a median of $37,298 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.74% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $40,323.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.94/hr = $22,385/year (purchasing power: $26,120).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,308/year (purchasing power: $43,533).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$13.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.94/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 | $13.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $10.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.98/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 $13.52/hr (2021) to $16.95/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.98/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
For an EMT working part-time in Laurel, committing to a 24-hour workweek at the hourly rate can yield a take-home pay that may be more modest compared to their full-time counterparts. Those opting for per-diem roles often bill between $20-$32 an hour with private companies, whereas specialized positions such as oil-field medics can garner rates that range from $40 to $70 per hour, depending on job conditions. Notably, hourly wages also vary based on employer types in the area. For instance, private ambulance services might offer less than municipal fire departments, which often provide substantial benefits alongside their higher pay rates. This trade-off is a critical consideration for many EMTs as they navigate their career paths. Additionally, practical negotiation strategies can help prospective EMTs in Laurel secure better compensation based on their skill sets and certifications, especially in a market where pay difference is evident across various sectors.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Laurel in 2026?
How much do part-time emergency medical technicians make in Laurel?
Are emergency medical technicians in Laurel paid hourly or salary?
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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