Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Taos, NM: $19.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Taos, NM runs $19.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,868 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Taos's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,524 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Emergency medical technicians in Taos, New Mexico can expect a median hourly rate of $19.65, which notably falls short of the national median of $22.62. This gap in pay reflects the broader trends in the area, where part-time and per-diem workers might find themselves earning between $16.16 and $25.66 hourly, depending on their experience and specific job roles. These figures are critical for those working in various settings, such as ambulance services, fire department medical units, or event medical tents. For part-time workers on an average schedule, say three days a week, this hourly pay translates into steady income, although it may not equate to the benefits associated with full-time positions. Entry-level EMTs can start at the lower range, while seasoned professionals can command the upper end of the pay spectrum as they gain experience and additional responsibilities.
About the Taos Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.16 | $129.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.29 | $138.33 |
| Median (P50) | $19.65 | $157.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.37 | $170.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.66 | $205.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Taos
Based on $19.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.65/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Taos, NM can expect to earn approximately $40,874 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,581. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Taos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Taos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $786.03 | $3,406 | $40,874 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $471.62 | $2,044 | $24,524 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $314.41 | $1,362 | $16,349 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Taos) | $19.65 |
| 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 Taos, NM earn a median of $40,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.15% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 8.00% below the New Mexico state average of $44,421.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.65/hr = $24,524/year (purchasing power: $25,979).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,874/year (purchasing power: $43,298).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$14.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.65/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Taos (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Taos grew 25.4% from $14.81/hr (2021) to $18.57/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.79/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 Taos 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 Taos
In examining the earning potential for emergency medical technicians in Taos, the financial picture varies considerably with employment type. A part-time EMT working three days a week (24 hours) could take home an annual income that may not match that of full-time counterparts who work a standard 40-hour week. Per-diem opportunities often pay higher rates, and EMTs engaged in event coverage or industrial medical roles may see rates ranging from $20 to $32 per hour, with even more lucrative positions in oil or tactical settings offering between $30-$70 per hour. The pay structure diversifies further across employer types: private ambulance companies typically pay less than municipal fire departments where EMTs are cross-trained as firefighters. This discrepancy often incentivizes EMTs to evaluate their options between slightly lower hourly rates with comprehensive health benefits or higher pay without job security. For those navigating their career path, practical negotiation strategies can involve emphasizing certifications like NREMT and showcasing adaptability to multiple roles, which can lead to better offers in the competitive Taos market.
More salary data for Taos, NM:
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 Taos. 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 Taos 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