Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Richardson, TX: $18.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Richardson, TX runs $18.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,926 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Richardson's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,362 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Richardson, Texas, the median hourly pay for emergency medical technicians is projected to be $18.72 in 2026, which notably falls below the national hourly median of $22.62. This rate can significantly influence both part-time workers and those engaged in per-diem positions. For EMTs who work three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, this hourly wage directly dictates their on-the-ground earning potential while responding to emergencies in various environments like fire engine medical bays or hospital emergency departments. The hourly pay range for emergency medical technicians in Richardson stretches from $13.48 for entry-level positions (at the 10th percentile) to about $26.17 for highly experienced professionals at the 90th percentile. These figures serve as a useful context for understanding the financial dynamics at play in this field.
About the Richardson 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) | $13.48 | $107.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.34 | $130.71 |
| Median (P50) | $18.72 | $149.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.04 | $168.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.17 | $209.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richardson
Based on $18.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.72/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richardson, TX can expect to earn approximately $38,937 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,463. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richardson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richardson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $748.78 | $3,245 | $38,937 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $449.27 | $1,947 | $23,362 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $299.51 | $1,298 | $15,575 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Richardson) | $18.72 |
| 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 Richardson, TX earn a median of $38,926 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.28% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $38,464.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.72/hr = $23,362/year (purchasing power: $24,335).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,937/year (purchasing power: $40,559).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$14.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.72/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Richardson (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Richardson grew 25.4% from $14.11/hr (2021) to $17.69/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.81/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 Richardson 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 Richardson
The earning potential for part-time emergency medical technicians significantly contrasts with full-time roles. For example, a part-time worker clocking in at 24 hours a week would earn around $23,200 annually based on the median rate, while full-time EMTs can exceed $38,926. Per-diem roles also introduce variability; event EMTs often command hourly rates between $20 and $32, while those positioned in remote oil-field settings may bill $40 to $70 per hour based on their geographic location. Furthermore, the type of employer heavily influences compensation. Municipal fire department positions, for instance, generally offer better pay packages due to collective bargaining, while private ambulance companies typically lag in salary offerings. Emergency medical technicians often face a trade-off between higher hourly wages in roles lacking benefits and lower hourly rates that come with job security and health coverage. Negotiations for these positions should consider the overall compensation package, as health benefits can significantly enhance the financial picture for these essential healthcare workers in Richardson.
More salary data for Richardson, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Richardson in 2026?
How much do part-time emergency medical technicians make in Richardson?
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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 Richardson. 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 Richardson 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