Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Centennial, CO: $48,856 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Centennial, CO earns a median $48,856/year (≈ $23.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Centennial's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $46,530 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Centennial, Colorado, the projected median annual salary for an emergency medical technician in 2026 is $48,856, which slightly exceeds the national median of $47,058, representing a 3.82% increase. The salary range for EMTs in the area varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $35,722, while experienced technicians can earn as much as $72,282. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, adjusted for local cost of living factors that reflect a 105 index in Centennial. As the demand for emergency medical technicians continues to rise, the potential for career advancement, particularly through the EMT-to-paramedic bridge, presents an opportunity for improved pay and greater responsibilities within the field.
About the Centennial Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,722 | $17.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,144 | $19.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,856 | $23.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,180 | $26.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,282 | $34.75 |
Median Salary Position
3.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Centennial
In Centennial, CO, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,560 (2026 est.). At $48,856, the local median is 3.82% above the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Centennial: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Centennial Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Centennial median: $48,856/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Centennial Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $48,420 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $47,058 | +3.82% more |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Centennial, CO earn a median of $48,856 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.82% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 0.90% above the Colorado state average of $48,420.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Centennial has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Centennial, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,856 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,530 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$36,825
2025 BLS Actual
$46,169
2026 Current Est.
$48,856
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Centennial (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $36,825 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,081 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,417 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,949 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,169 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,856 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,699 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Centennial metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $36,825 (2021) to $46,169 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,699 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,874 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Centennial 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) | $35,722 – $40,144 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,144 – $48,856 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,856 – $54,180 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,180 – $72,282 |
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 Centennial
Within Centennial's healthcare employment landscape, there are currently 16 emergency medical technicians, reflecting a tight but significant job market. The cost of living index suggests that while salaries are competitive, high living costs may influence overall purchasing power for local EMTs. Employers such as municipal fire departments typically offer higher compensation compared to private ambulance services, leveraging union contracts and cross-training opportunities to attract talent. Furthermore, shift differentials and overtime hours can lead to substantial pay variations, enhancing earnings potential for those willing to embrace flexible schedules. To maximize their salaries, EMTs in Centennial should consider additional certifications, seek positions in high pay environments like fire departments or industrial settings, and remain informed about the ongoing EMT-to-paramedic transition for increased advancement opportunities.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can emergency medical technicians make $100K in Centennial?
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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 $46,169 for emergency medical techniciansin the Centennial 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 Centennial 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