Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Apex, NC: $23.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Apex, NC runs $23.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,777 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Apex's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,265 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apex, North Carolina, the projected hourly rate for emergency medical technicians is estimated at $23.45, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $22.62. This competitive rate provides attractive earning potential for those pursuing part-time roles, such as working three days a week in various environments like ambulance services, hospital emergency departments, or event medical tents. The hourly pay for EMTs in Apex spans a wide range, with entry-level positions starting around $17.78 and top earners reaching $32.03. These figures reflect the growing demand for skilled emergency medical technicians in the area, allowing both full-time professionals and per-diem workers to benefit from a solid wage structure.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.78 | $142.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.57 | $164.57 |
| Median (P50) | $23.45 | $187.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.97 | $207.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.03 | $256.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apex
Based on $23.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.45/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apex, NC can expect to earn approximately $48,775 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,140. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apex.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apex
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $937.99 | $4,065 | $48,775 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.79 | $2,439 | $29,265 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.20 | $1,626 | $19,510 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Apex) | $23.45 |
| 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 Apex, NC earn a median of $48,777 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.65% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $48,438.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.45/hr = $29,265/year (purchasing power: $31,266).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,775/year (purchasing power: $52,110).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$17.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.45/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Apex (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Apex grew 25.4% from $17.68/hr (2021) to $22.16/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.81/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 Apex 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 Apex
For those considering part-time positions, working as a per-diem emergency medical technician in Apex can yield varied earnings based on hours worked and employer type. A typical paramedic on a three-day, 24-hour work week could take home approximately $36,336 annually, while full-time EMTs accumulate significantly higher earnings due to longer hours. As for per-diem rates, different employers offer various compensation: for instance, event EMTs often charge between $20 and $32 per hour, while oil-field medics can earn between $40 and $70 per hour depending on location and conditions. It's noteworthy that working for municipal fire departments generally leads to higher hourly wages compared to private ambulance services, given the benefits and union contracts associated with public sector jobs. However, some EMTs may opt for positions with lower pay to secure health benefits. Those looking to negotiate their hourly pay in Apex might consider emphasizing their training, certifications, and relevant experience to leverage their qualifications effectively within the local market.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
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 Apex. 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 Apex 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