Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $19.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Bristol, VA runs $19.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,708 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $18.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,824 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, the projected median hourly pay for an emergency medical technician is set at $19.09 in 2026, which is below the national median of $22.62. This difference highlights potential challenges for part-time and per-diem workers, particularly those operating in varied settings such as ambulance patient compartments, hospital ED triage areas, and emergency medical services at events. For individuals working part-time three days a week, this rate provides a foundation for earnings that can be complemented with additional shifts, while those in per-diem roles might expect to work less consistently but have the opportunity to take on higher-paying temporary assignments. With an hourly range from $15.60 at the lowest tier to $25.34 for top earners, opportunities for growth exist for technicians willing to expand their skills and work across different environments.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.60 | $124.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.67 | $133.33 |
| Median (P50) | $19.09 | $152.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.07 | $168.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.34 | $202.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $19.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.09/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $39,707 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,908. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $763.60 | $3,309 | $39,707 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $458.16 | $1,985 | $23,824 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $305.44 | $1,324 | $15,883 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Bristol) | $19.09 |
| 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 Bristol, VA earn a median of $39,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.62% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 15.60% below the Virginia state average of $47,047.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.09/hr = $23,824/year (purchasing power: $23,085).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,707/year (purchasing power: $38,476).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$14.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.09/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Bristol (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Bristol grew 25.4% from $14.39/hr (2021) to $18.04/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.20/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
When considering the earning potential, those working as part-time emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in Bristol will find that working 24 hours a week can yield a significantly different financial picture compared to full-time colleagues. Part-time workers typically earn a lower overall annual income, prompting many to consider supplemental roles. In the context of per-diem emergency medical technician pay in Bristol, figures can vary widely, with private companies paying between $20-$32 per hour, while jobs in high-demand scenarios such as oil-field medic roles can fetch between $40-$70 an hour depending on location. Additionally, tactical EMS event coverage might provide opportunities with stipends ranging from $30-$50 hourly, showcasing how employment type markedly affects compensation. EMTs in Bristol should also consider their work-life balance when negotiating pay; accepting lower wages for positions with health insurance benefits could lead to greater long-term stability compared to higher hourly rates without benefits. Understanding these dynamics can help professionals in the field make well-informed decisions about their careers and compensation.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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