Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Burlington, NC: $25.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Burlington, NC runs $25.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,042 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,220 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Burlington, North Carolina, the emergency medical technician hourly pay stands at $25.02, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $22.62. This competitive pay reflects the region's demand for skilled responders in various settings such as ambulances, fire medical bays, and event medical tents. For those working part-time, like a typical three-day-per-week schedule, the hourly rate can translate into significant earnings, providing a decent income while allowing flexibility. Entry-level technicians might earn around $19.74, while the top-tier earners can reach the higher end of the scale, further enhancing the attractiveness of a career in this vital profession. The provided data is drawn from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), ensuring a reliable insight into local wages.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.74 | $157.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.74 | $157.88 |
| Median (P50) | $25.02 | $200.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.02 | $200.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.02 | $200.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $25.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.02/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, NC can expect to earn approximately $52,033 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,019. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,000.63 | $4,336 | $52,033 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $600.38 | $2,602 | $31,220 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $400.25 | $1,734 | $20,813 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Burlington) | $25.02 |
| 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 Burlington, NC earn a median of $52,042 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.59% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 7.40% above the North Carolina state average of $48,456.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.02/hr = $31,220/year (purchasing power: $33,499).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,033/year (purchasing power: $55,832).
CoL index: 93.196 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$18.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.02/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Burlington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Burlington grew 25.4% from $18.86/hr (2021) to $23.64/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.47/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 Burlington 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 Burlington
Part-time emergency medical technicians in Burlington working 24 hours each week can anticipate an annual take-home pay around $31,200, which is substantial given the lower cost of living index in the area. Per diem emergency medical technician pay in Burlington varies widely; those employed by private companies might bill from $20 to $32 per hour, while oil-field medics could see rates climbing to $40 to $70 per hour depending on the work site's remoteness. Hourly rates differ across employer types, with private ambulance services often offering less than municipal fire departments that employ EMTs as cross-trained firefighters. This disparity reflects the broader health benefits that public sector jobs offer despite lower pay compared to private sector roles. For prospective EMTs or those considering a move within the field, understanding the nuances and negotiation tactics can empower them to seek positions that best align with their financial and professional goals.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Burlington in 2026?
How much do part-time emergency medical technicians make in Burlington?
Are emergency medical technicians in Burlington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time emergency medical technician make per year in Burlington?
Do emergency medical technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Burlington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Burlington. 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, 4-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