Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Fort Dodge, IA: $40,885 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Fort Dodge, IA earns a median $40,885/year (≈ $19.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Fort Dodge's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $45,227 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Emergency medical technicians in Fort Dodge, Iowa, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $40,885 by 2026, reflecting a significant gap when compared to the national median of $47,058. The salary range for EMTs in the area is expected to span from $33,601 at the lower end (P10) to $53,138 at the higher end (P90), according to estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments. As EMTs advance in their careers, many look to bridge the gap to paramedic status, which can lead to substantially higher salaries and enhanced job responsibilities, thereby influencing local market dynamics. The job market in Fort Dodge is characterized by its unique factors that affect compensation and opportunities for growth within the EMS field.
About the Fort Dodge Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,601 | $16.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,873 | $17.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,885 | $19.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,250 | $21.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,138 | $25.54 |
Median Salary Position
13.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Dodge
In Fort Dodge, IA, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,537 (2026 est.). At $40,885, the local median is 13.12% below the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Dodge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Dodge Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Fort Dodge median: $40,885/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Dodge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $44,537 | -8.20% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | -13.12% less |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $40,885 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.12% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $44,537.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Dodge has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fort Dodge, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A emergency medical technician earning $40,885 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,227 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$30,817
2025 BLS Actual
$38,636
2026 Current Est.
$40,885
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Fort Dodge (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,817 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,868 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,823 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,873 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,636 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,885 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,264 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Dodge metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $30,817 (2021) to $38,636 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,264 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,447 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Dodge 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) | $33,601 – $35,873 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,873 – $40,885 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,885 – $45,250 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,250 – $53,138 |
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 Fort Dodge
In Fort Dodge, only four emergency medical technicians are employed, highlighting the tight job market in this region. The cost of living index in Fort Dodge stands at 90.4, suggesting that earnings are somewhat adjusted for living expenses, which can impact take-home pay. In terms of compensation, urban fire departments typically offer higher salaries for EMTs who are also cross-trained as firefighters, often augmented by union contracts. Private ambulance services lag in pay, affecting how much emergency medical technicians can earn compared to their counterparts in municipal or industrial roles. Factors such as shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and potential progression into paramedic certification play a significant role in determining the pay scale within this local market. To maximize potential earnings in Fort Dodge, EMTs should consider opportunities for cross-training, seek employment with municipal fire departments, and remain aware of the benefits and pay structures offered by different types of EMS employers.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, IA:
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 $38,636 for emergency medical techniciansin the Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge 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