Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $25.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Bellingham, WA runs $25.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,727 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,642 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bellingham, Washington, the emergency medical technician hourly pay is projected to be $25.35 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $22.62. This attractive hourly rate allows part-time practitioners—such as those working three days a week—to earn a competitive wage while providing critical care in various settings like ambulance patient compartments, hospital emergency departments, and event medical tents. The hourly pay for emergency medical technicians in Bellingham can range from $18.80 at the entry-level to around $36.77 for top earners within this profession, reflecting a broad spectrum of experience and specialization. Such estimates are drawn from the annual salary data, providing insights into potential earnings for those considering a career in this field.
About the Bellingham Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.80 | $150.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.04 | $168.30 |
| Median (P50) | $25.35 | $202.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.39 | $227.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.77 | $294.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $25.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.35/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $52,737 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,425. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,014.18 | $4,395 | $52,737 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $608.51 | $2,637 | $31,642 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.67 | $1,758 | $21,095 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Bellingham) | $25.35 |
| 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 Bellingham, WA earn a median of $52,727 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.05% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 0.10% below the Washington state average of $52,780.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.35/hr = $31,642/year (purchasing power: $29,462).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,737/year (purchasing power: $49,104).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$19.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.35/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Bellingham (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Bellingham grew 25.4% from $19.11/hr (2021) to $23.96/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.83/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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham
For those working part-time, such as a 24-hour workweek, an emergency medical technician can expect to take home around $31,530 annually, easily balancing life outside of work while still contributing to healthcare needs. Per diem emergency medical technician pay in Bellingham varies widely, with many private agencies typically billing between $20 and $32 per hour. In contrast, oil-field medics can command pay rates from $40 to $70 per hour, depending on location and job demands, while tactical EMS positions may offer stipends ranging from $30 to $50 per hour. Within Bellingham, hourly rates may vary based on employer types, with cross-trained firefighter-EMTs at municipal fire departments often earning 2-3 times more than their counterparts in private ambulance services. Since many emergency medical technicians weigh the advantages of benefits against higher hourly wages without employment-based perks, negotiating for a fair hourly rate can significantly impact long-term career satisfaction in Bellingham's competitive environment.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Bellingham in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Bellingham. 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 Bellingham 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