Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Odessa, TX: $18.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Odessa, TX runs $18.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,031 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Odessa's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,821 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Odessa, TX, the median hourly pay for emergency medical technicians is projected to be $18.29 in 2026, significantly lower than the national hourly median of $22.62. This wage reflects the financial realities faced by EMTs working part-time or in per-diem roles within the community. For instance, an EMT working three days per week could earn a consistent income to support basic living expenses, but those engaged on a per-diem basis—in environments such as ambulance services, hospital emergency departments, or special events—often find variability in their earnings. The hourly range varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $13.95, while top earners can make up to $25.94 per hour depending on their experience and work setting.
About the Odessa Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.95 | $111.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.46 | $123.68 |
| Median (P50) | $18.29 | $146.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.72 | $165.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.94 | $207.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Odessa
Based on $18.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.29/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Odessa, TX can expect to earn approximately $38,034 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,943. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Odessa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Odessa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $731.43 | $3,170 | $38,034 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $438.86 | $1,902 | $22,821 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $292.57 | $1,268 | $15,214 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Odessa) | $18.29 |
| 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 Odessa, TX earn a median of $38,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.18% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 1.10% below the Texas state average of $38,454.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.29/hr = $22,821/year (purchasing power: $23,771).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,034/year (purchasing power: $39,619).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$13.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.29/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Odessa (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $13.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Odessa grew 25.4% from $13.78/hr (2021) to $17.28/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.35/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 Odessa 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 Odessa
Considering the dynamics of part-time and per-diem roles, an EMT working a standard 24-hour week takes home a reliable income but still lags behind full-time counterparts who typically enjoy benefits like health insurance. The per-diem pay structure often sees EMTs earning between $20 and $32 per hour with private companies, and in high-demand sectors like oil fields, rates can soar to $40-$70 per hour depending on location and job conditions. Additionally, hourly compensation varies across employer types, with private ambulance companies tending to pay less than municipal fire departments where cross-trained EMTs can earn significantly more. As EMTs navigate employment opportunities, it’s beneficial to weigh hourly rates against the benefits offered, and those seeking work in higher-paying sectors should hone their negotiation skills. This adaptability is crucial for maximizing earnings in Odessa's evolving emergency medical services environment.
More salary data for Odessa, TX:
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 Odessa. 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 Odessa 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