Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Davis, CA: $46,812 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Davis, CA earns a median $46,812/year (≈ $22.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Davis's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $41,390 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected annual salary for emergency medical technicians in Davis, California, is $46,812, reflecting a competitive market for this critical role. Salaries in the area span a range from $36,241 at the 10th percentile to $64,791 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS estimates, adjusted for local cost factors, and suggest that while Davis aligns closely with the national median of $47,058, there are unique opportunities in the region, particularly in sectors such as industrial or oil-field medic positions. Such roles have the potential to offer premium pay rates, creating a favorable environment for those considering a career in emergency medical services locally.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,241 | $17.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,880 | $19.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,812 | $22.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,477 | $25.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,791 | $31.15 |
Median Salary Position
0.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
In Davis, CA, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,550 (2026 est.). At $46,812, the local median is 0.52% below the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Davis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Davis Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Davis median: $46,812/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Davis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $48,359 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | -0.52% less |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Davis, CA earn a median of $46,812 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.52% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 3.20% below the California state average of $48,359.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Davis has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Davis, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,812 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $41,390 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$35,284
2025 BLS Actual
$44,237
2026 Current Est.
$46,812
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Davis (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35,284 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,488 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,726 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,296 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,237 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,812 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,536 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Davis metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $35,284 (2021) to $44,237 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,536 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,252 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,241 – $39,880 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,880 – $46,812 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,812 – $53,477 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,477 – $64,791 |
EMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual emergency medical technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Emergency Medical Technician Job Market in Davis
Currently, there are 14 emergency medical technicians employed in Davis, highlighting both the niche market and community reliance on these professionals. However, the cost of living index in the area stands at 113.1, indicating that expenses are higher than the national average, which may impact take-home pay. Employers such as private ambulance companies and municipal fire departments typically determine compensation levels; fire department roles often command higher salaries due to union contracts, while private ambulance operators lag behind in wage growth. The disparity in earnings is also influenced by shift differentials and opportunities for overtime, so those in the Davis market hoping to maximize their earnings might consider pursuing cross-training as firefighters or advancing through the EMT-to-paramedic bridge pathway, which can open doors to greater financial rewards and expanded career potential.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $44,237 for emergency medical techniciansin the Davis metropolitan area. A 5.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis 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