Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Tukwila, WA: $23.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Tukwila, WA runs $23.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,779 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Tukwila's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,265 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tukwila, WA, emergency medical technicians earn a median hourly pay of $23.45, surpassing the national median of $22.62. This competitive rate provides a robust foundation for both part-time EMTs and per-diem workers who may operate in various settings, including ambulance patient compartments, fire engine medical bays, and hospital emergency departments. The hourly range spans from $19.57 for entry-level positions (P10) to $30.84 for the highest earners (P90). These figures, derived from estimated annual salary data, highlight the viable earning potential across the profession, catering to those who may work three days a week or be engaged in sporadic per-diem roles.
About the Tukwila 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) | $19.57 | $156.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.24 | $161.95 |
| Median (P50) | $23.45 | $187.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.63 | $205.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.84 | $246.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tukwila
Based on $23.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.45/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tukwila, WA can expect to earn approximately $48,775 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,140. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tukwila.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tukwila
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $937.99 | $4,065 | $48,775 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.79 | $2,439 | $29,265 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.20 | $1,626 | $19,510 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Tukwila) | $23.45 |
| 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 Tukwila, WA earn a median of $48,779 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.66% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $52,791.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.45/hr = $29,265/year (purchasing power: $27,249).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,775/year (purchasing power: $45,415).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$17.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.45/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Tukwila (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Tukwila grew 25.4% from $17.68/hr (2021) to $22.16/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.81/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 Tukwila 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 Tukwila
Looking at the earning potential for part-time EMTs operating 24 hours a week, the annual take-home significantly varies compared to full-time counterparts, emphasizing the choice between flexibility and consistent income. Those in per-diem roles, such as private companies, often charge rates between $20 and $32 per hour, while oil-field medics can see up to $70 per hour, reflecting the high demand and remoteness of those jobs. In Tukwila, hourly rates vary considerably based on employer type—the stark disparity between private ambulance services and municipal fire departments highlights a significant pay gap. Fire department EMTs, often part of union contracts, enjoy salaries that frequently exceed those of their private sector peers. Negotiating for higher hourly wages may come down to trade-offs, like opting for lower rates with more benefits or higher pay without health coverage. For those working in this field, understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective salary negotiations.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Tukwila in 2026?
How much do part-time emergency medical technicians make in Tukwila?
Are emergency medical technicians in Tukwila paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time emergency medical technician make per year in Tukwila?
Do emergency medical technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Tukwila?
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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 Tukwila. 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 Tukwila 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