Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Moreno Valley, CA: $48,819 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Moreno Valley, CA earns a median $48,819/year (≈ $23.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Moreno Valley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $43,164 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Emergency medical technicians in Moreno Valley, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $48,819 in 2026, outpacing the national median of $47,058 by approximately 3.74%. Pay varies significantly across the local market, with salaries ranging from $36,216 at the lowest end to $71,350 for those in the top 10% of earners. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, highlighting the local dynamics and demand for qualified EMTs. The earnings landscape demonstrates a stark pay gap between municipal fire department EMTs, particularly those who are cross-trained as firefighters, and those employed by private ambulance services, which often lag in remuneration due to less favorable union conditions and lower overall pay structures.
About the Moreno Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,216 | $17.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,721 | $19.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,819 | $23.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,268 | $27.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,350 | $34.31 |
Median Salary Position
3.74% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moreno Valley
In Moreno Valley, CA, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,134 (2026 est.). At $48,819, the local median is 3.74% above the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moreno Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moreno Valley Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Moreno Valley median: $48,819/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moreno Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $48,384 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $47,058 | +3.74% more |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Moreno Valley, CA earn a median of $48,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.74% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 0.90% above the California state average of $48,384.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moreno Valley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moreno Valley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,819 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,164 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$36,797
2025 BLS Actual
$46,134
2026 Current Est.
$48,819
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Moreno Valley (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $36,797 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,053 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,387 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,924 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,134 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,819 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,660 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moreno Valley metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $36,797 (2021) to $46,134 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,660 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,863 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moreno Valley 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) | $36,216 – $40,721 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,721 – $48,819 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,819 – $57,268 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,268 – $71,350 |
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 Moreno Valley
The job market in Moreno Valley features around 53 emergency medical technicians, providing a relatively focused employment environment. Given the cost of living index of 113.1, the purchasing power of these salaries is somewhat diminished compared to national averages. Municipal departments and county EMS systems tend to offer more competitive wages, particularly for those willing to transition to higher-paying roles or shift differentials. Factors such as overtime opportunities, the EMT-to-paramedic pathway, and specialty roles in tactical care can significantly influence earnings potential. For those seeking to maximize their pay in Moreno Valley, pursuing employment with municipal agencies or looking into educational opportunities for advancement could be key strategies, given the higher income potential associated with paramedic-level positions and union-backed benefits.
More salary data for Moreno Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do emergency medical technicians make in Moreno Valley, CA in 2026?
Is Moreno Valley, CA a good place to work as a emergency medical technician?
Can emergency medical technicians make $100K in Moreno Valley?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted emergency medical technician salary in Moreno Valley?
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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 $46,134 for emergency medical techniciansin the Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley 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