Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $28.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Seattle, WA runs $28.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,942 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,367 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Seattle, WA, emergency medical technicians earn a median hourly rate of $28.34, significantly higher than the national average of $22.62. This favorable compensation structure is particularly relevant for part-time workers who might engage in a three-day weekly schedule typical for many EMTs. These professionals often operate in high-demand environments, including hospital emergency departments, ambulance services, and various industrial workplaces such as oil fields and event medical support. For entry-level EMTs, the hourly pay starts around $25.20, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $31.10, offering a competitive range within the local job market. These figures stem from projected 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlighting Seattle's distinct advantages in emergency medical technician hourly pay.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.20 | $201.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.66 | $213.25 |
| Median (P50) | $28.34 | $226.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.65 | $237.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.10 | $248.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $28.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.34/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $58,944 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,006. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,133.54 | $4,912 | $58,944 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $680.13 | $2,947 | $35,367 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.42 | $1,965 | $23,578 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Seattle) | $28.34 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $58,942 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.25% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 11.70% above the Washington state average of $52,768.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.34/hr = $35,367/year (purchasing power: $31,824).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,944/year (purchasing power: $53,039).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$17.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.34/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Seattle (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Seattle grew 56.5% from $17.11/hr (2021) to $26.78/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.99/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
Prospective EMTs considering part-time positions should be aware of the financial implications of their choices. A typical 3-day workweek translating to 24 hours results in earnings that can approach $40,000 annually, depending on shifts and experience. Per diem emergency medical technician pay in Seattle often varies, with agency workers billing anywhere from $20 to $32 per hour for basic assignments. More specialized roles, such as oil-field medics or tactical EMS providers, may command higher rates ranging from $30 to $70 depending on the complexity and risks involved. The type of employer can also significantly influence hourly wages; private ambulance companies typically pay less than municipal fire departments, where EMTs can earn substantially more due to union contracts. This dynamic can make a substantial difference in overall compensation and benefits, prompting some medics to choose lower hourly rates for positions that offer health insurance and retirement plans. For those in search of hourly work in Seattle, negotiating skills and understanding market demand are essential in securing the best possible pay.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
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 Seattle. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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