Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $23.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Norfolk, VA runs $23.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,296 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,582 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, the projected median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians is $23.70, which slightly surpasses the national median of $22.62. This relatively competitive rate can be quite beneficial for part-time EMTs working a typical schedule of three days a week. Those who take on per-diem roles in diverse environments such as ambulance services, fire departments, or event medical tents can experience varying earnings directly tied to the hours they work. Entry-level EMTs may start at approximately $16.95, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $34.80 per hour, reflecting the wide range of responsibilities and expertise within this crucial role. It’s essential for prospective emergency medical technicians to consider these hourly rates when evaluating job offers and potential earnings in Norfolk.
About the Norfolk 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) | $16.95 | $135.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.35 | $154.84 |
| Median (P50) | $23.70 | $189.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.37 | $218.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.80 | $278.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $23.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.70/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $49,304 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,444. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $948.15 | $4,109 | $49,304 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $568.89 | $2,465 | $29,582 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.26 | $1,643 | $19,721 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Norfolk) | $23.70 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $49,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.76% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 4.80% above the Virginia state average of $47,038.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.70/hr = $29,582/year (purchasing power: $28,665).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,304/year (purchasing power: $47,775).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$17.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.70/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Norfolk (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Norfolk grew 25.4% from $17.87/hr (2021) to $22.40/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.08/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
For those contemplating part-time positions, an EMT working 24 hours a week at this hourly rate could bring home about $29,481 annually, a substantial amount compared to many part-time roles. On the other end of the spectrum, per-diem emergency medical technician pay in Norfolk tends to be in the range of $20 to $32 per hour for private companies, with specialized services like oil-field medic positions offering between $40 and $70 per hour, depending on the work environment. Furthermore, hourly rates fluctuate significantly between different job types, with private ambulance services generally paying less than municipal fire departments or hospital-based EMS. Many EMTs accept lower pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Negotiating for higher pay while ensuring other important aspects such as health benefits and work-life balance are also prioritized can greatly influence an EMT's overall job satisfaction in Norfolk.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time emergency medical technicians make in Norfolk?
Are emergency medical technicians in Norfolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time emergency medical technician make per year in Norfolk?
Do emergency medical technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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