Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in North Charleston, SC: $23.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in North Charleston, SC runs $23.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,235 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against North Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,935 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, emergency medical technicians in North Charleston, South Carolina, can expect a median hourly pay of $23.19, slightly exceeding the national median of $22.62. This competitive pay can provide a solid wage for part-time workers, allowing those who work three days a week to earn a decent income while having more flexibility in their schedules. For per-diem emergency medical technician work in settings such as ambulance services, emergency departments, and event medical coverage, hourly earnings vary widely, typically ranging from about $16.65 to $32.52, depending on experience and the nature of the assignment. New entrants can expect pay closer to the lower end of this spectrum, while seasoned professionals can command top-tier rates.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.65 | $133.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.26 | $162.12 |
| Median (P50) | $23.19 | $185.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.06 | $208.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.52 | $260.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Charleston
Based on $23.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.19/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $48,225 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,822. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $927.41 | $4,019 | $48,225 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $556.44 | $2,411 | $28,935 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $370.96 | $1,608 | $19,290 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (North Charleston) | $23.19 |
| 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 North Charleston, SC earn a median of $48,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.50% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 14.20% above the South Carolina state average of $42,237.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.19/hr = $28,935/year (purchasing power: $31,623).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,225/year (purchasing power: $52,705).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$17.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.19/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in North Charleston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in North Charleston grew 25.4% from $17.48/hr (2021) to $21.91/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.53/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 North Charleston 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 North Charleston
When considering part-time versus full-time work as an emergency medical technician in North Charleston, significant earning potential exists. A part-time EMT working 24 hours a week could see annual earnings far below the totals of their full-time counterparts, but still maintain a reasonable income for flexible work life. Meanwhile, per-diem and agency medics often command rates that fluctuate between $20 and $32 per hour, depending on their employment context. In specialized sectors like oil-field medic roles, pay can rise to $40-$70 per hour due to the demanding work conditions. Variations in hourly pay also stem from the type of employer, with municipal fire departments generally offering higher wages through union contracts compared to private ambulance companies. For EMTs considering job options, understanding the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits like health insurance can influence decisions significantly. Effectively negotiating within the local market's unique context requires awareness of these factors and an understanding of what different employers can offer in exchange for a higher or lower hourly rate.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in North Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time emergency medical technicians make in North Charleston?
Are emergency medical technicians in North Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time emergency medical technician make per year in North Charleston?
Do emergency medical technicians earn more per hour working part-time in North Charleston?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South 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 North Charleston. 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 North Charleston 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