Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Plainfield, NJ: $26.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Plainfield, NJ runs $26.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,109 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,461 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For emergency medical technicians in Plainfield, New Jersey, the projected hourly pay is $26.01, significantly higher than the national median of $22.62 for this occupation. This means that EMTs in the area, particularly those working in typical settings such as hospital emergency departments, ambulance services, and event medical tents, can expect a more favorable wage compared to their counterparts nationwide. The hourly rates range from approximately $19.26 for entry-level positions to about $37.68 for those toward the higher end of the pay scale. These figures represent not only the financial prospects for full-time EMTs but also for part-time and per diem workers who often have flexible schedules, working three days a week or engaging in occasional shifts that are crucial in the high-demand health service environment of Plainfield.
About the Plainfield Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.26 | $154.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.56 | $172.44 |
| Median (P50) | $26.01 | $208.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.53 | $228.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.68 | $301.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $26.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.01/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, NJ can expect to earn approximately $54,102 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,213. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,040.42 | $4,508 | $54,102 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $624.25 | $2,705 | $32,461 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $416.17 | $1,803 | $21,641 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Plainfield) | $26.01 |
| 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 Plainfield, NJ earn a median of $54,109 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.98% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 0.20% below the New Jersey state average of $54,217.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.01/hr = $32,461/year (purchasing power: $28,178).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,102/year (purchasing power: $46,964).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$19.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.01/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Plainfield (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Plainfield grew 25.4% from $19.61/hr (2021) to $24.58/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.52/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
When considering the annual earnings of an emergency medical technician who works part-time, the financial outcome can vary widely based on their work schedule and employer type. An EMT working three days a week for 24 hours might take home around $40,717 annually compared to their full-time counterparts. The per diem emergency medical technician pay in Plainfield typically ranges from $20 to $32 per hour for agency work, while specialized roles, like oil-field medics, can yield between $40 and $70 per hour depending on various factors such as location and working conditions. Additionally, the disparity in hourly wages across different employer types—private ambulance companies, municipal fire departments, and hospital systems—means that negotiation is key for EMTs seeking employment in Plainfield. While some may opt for positions with lower hourly rates to gain health benefits, others may prioritize higher pay even without those perks. Understanding the local market dynamics and effectively negotiating one's worth can play a significant role in an EMT's career trajectory.
More salary data for Plainfield, NJ:
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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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