Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Buffalo, NY: $21.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Buffalo, NY runs $21.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,000 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Buffalo's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,399 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Buffalo, New York, emergency medical technicians can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $21.15. This figure is slightly below the national median of $22.62, which reflects the competitive nature of EMT wages across the country. The hourly range for EMTs in Buffalo starts at $19.87 for entry-level positions and can go up to $26.11 for the most experienced professionals. These rates have significant implications for those working part-time, typically committing to three days a week, as well as per-diem workers who operate in various settings, from ambulances and hospital emergency departments to event medical tents and industrial worksites. The official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights the financial landscape that EMT professionals navigate in this city.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.87 | $158.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.11 | $160.85 |
| Median (P50) | $21.15 | $169.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.90 | $183.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.11 | $208.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buffalo
Based on $21.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.15/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buffalo, NY can expect to earn approximately $43,999 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,384. With a cost-of-living index of 95.84 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Buffalo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buffalo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $846.14 | $3,667 | $43,999 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $507.68 | $2,200 | $26,399 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $338.45 | $1,467 | $17,600 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Buffalo) | $21.15 |
| 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 Buffalo, NY earn a median of $44,000 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.50% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 3.70% below the New York state average of $45,691.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.15/hr = $26,399/year (purchasing power: $27,544).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,999/year (purchasing power: $45,907).
CoL index: 95.844 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$14.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.15/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+55.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Buffalo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Buffalo grew 38.6% from $14.42/hr (2021) to $19.99/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.38/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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo
Looking at the earning potential for a part-time EMT working 24 hours per week, the annual take-home could range significantly compared to full-time counterparts. On average, part-time EMTs might pull in around $26,000, a figure that emphasizes the need for supplementary income or alternative employment. Per diem emergency medical technician pay in Buffalo varies widely; those in tactical medical roles or oil-field settings can bill between $20 and $70 an hour depending on the assignment's demands and location. Employers in Buffalo, including private ambulance services like AMR and GMR, municipal fire departments, and various healthcare organizations, often reflect different compensation standards. Some choose lower hourly rates for positions that include health benefits, while others offer higher pay that typically does not include additional perks. For those in the field, negotiating hourly pay can be strategic—understanding industry standards and emphasizing qualifications can lead to better offers in both private and public sectors.
More salary data for Buffalo, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Buffalo in 2026?
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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 Buffalo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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