Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Liberal, KS: $39,895 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Liberal, KS earns a median $39,895/year (≈ $19.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Liberal's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $43,889 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the emergency medical technician salary in Liberal, KS, is projected to be $39,895, which marks a significant gap compared to the national median of $47,058. The local salary range spans from $33,723 at the 10th percentile to $54,491 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and employer types within the area. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, showcasing a market that has distinct pay differences. Notably, EMTs working for municipal fire departments typically earn more than their counterparts in private ambulance services, which can significantly impact overall compensation and job attractiveness in Liberal's job market.
About the Liberal Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,723 | $16.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,779 | $17.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,895 | $19.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,531 | $20.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,491 | $26.20 |
Median Salary Position
15.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Liberal
In Liberal, KS, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,768 (2026 est.). At $39,895, the local median is 15.22% below the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Liberal: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Liberal Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Liberal median: $39,895/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Liberal Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $42,760 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | -15.22% less |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Liberal, KS earn a median of $39,895 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.22% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $42,760.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Liberal has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Liberal, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A emergency medical technician earning $39,895 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,889 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$30,071
2025 BLS Actual
$37,701
2026 Current Est.
$39,895
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Liberal (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,071 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,097 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,004 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,825 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,701 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,895 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,217 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Liberal metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $30,071 (2021) to $37,701 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,217 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,146 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberal 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) | $33,723 – $35,779 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,779 – $39,895 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,895 – $42,531 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,531 – $54,491 |
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 Liberal
Despite the projected salary levels, local employment opportunities for emergency medical technicians remain limited, with only four individuals currently working in this capacity in Liberal. The cost of living index stands at 90.9, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the local purchasing power allows residents to manage living expenses effectively. Among employers, fire departments often provide higher wages in comparison to private ambulance companies like AMR and GMR, and this dynamic can be further influenced by shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and the pathway for EMTs to advance to paramedics. Those considering a career in this field should prioritize seeking employment with municipal services and acquiring additional certifications to enhance their earning potential, particularly as the industry continues to evolve amid economic pressures.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
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 $37,701 for emergency medical techniciansin the Liberal 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 Liberal 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