Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Boise City, ID: $41,397 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Boise City, ID earns a median $41,397/year (≈ $19.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Boise City's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.4), that paycheck buys what $42,074 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the Idaho state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In Boise City, Idaho, the projected median annual salary for emergency medical technicians is set at $41,397 for 2026, reflecting the local market's unique dynamics. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $47,058, highlighting the wage gap that exists between local and national standards. Those working in the field can expect to earn between $32,677 and $53,376 based on their experience and the type of employer. The data, drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected to 2026, illustrates the competitive landscape faced by EMTs. Particularly relevant is the disparity in pay between fire department positions and private ambulance services, where EMTs in firefighting roles often receive substantially higher compensation due to union agreements and structured pay scales.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,677 | $15.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,730 | $16.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,397 | $19.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,767 | $23.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,376 | $25.66 |
Median Salary Position
12.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boise City
In Boise City, ID, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,699 (2026 est.). At $41,397, the local median is 12.03% below the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Boise City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Boise City Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Boise City median: $41,397/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boise City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $44,850 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | -12.03% less |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Boise City, ID earn a median of $41,397 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.03% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 7.70% below the Idaho state average of $44,850.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boise City has a cost of living 1.61% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boise City, ID has a cost-of-living index of 98.391 (below the national average of 100). A emergency medical technician earning $41,397 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,074 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.64% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$30,270
2025 BLS Actual
$39,120
2026 Current Est.
$41,397
2021–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Boise City (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,550 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,397 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,806 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boise City metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 29.2% from $30,270 (2021) to $39,120 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,806 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,536 (44.72%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boise City 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) | $32,677 – $34,730 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,730 – $41,397 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,397 – $49,767 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,767 – $53,376 |
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 Boise City
The job market for emergency medical technicians in Boise City is stable, with around 320 EMTs currently employed. This number reflects a growing demand for services, supported by a cost of living index of 98.391, which is slightly below the national average. The lower cost of living can help balance the impact of lower salaries on purchasing power. Pay disparities in Boise City are largely influenced by the employer type; city fire departments tend to offer greater compensation than private ambulance companies, which have historically lagged behind inflation. Industrial and oil-field medic roles can command higher wages, sometimes exceeding $50 per hour, while those employed by hospitals, county EMS, or inter-facility transport may find pay scales that vary considerably. To maximize earnings in this market, EMTs should consider pursuing additional certifications to transition to paramedic roles, take advantage of overtime opportunities, and explore rhythm and shift differentials that may be offered by various employers.
More salary data for Boise City, ID:
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 $39,120 for emergency medical techniciansin the Boise City 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
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