Emergency Medical Technician Salary in New Iberia, LA: $35,952 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in New Iberia, LA earns a median $35,952/year (≈ $17.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in New Iberia's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $39,814 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected median annual salary for emergency medical technicians in New Iberia, Louisiana, is $35,952, which represents a significant gap when compared to the national average of $47,058. Salaries range from $28,676 at the 10th percentile to $48,313 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential within the field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, highlight the pay disparity that exists between emergency medical technicians working in private ambulance services and those employed by local fire departments. In particular, cross-trained firefighter-EMTs tend to earn significantly higher wages, reflecting the enhancements and benefits affiliated with union contracts within fire departments. As the job market continues to evolve, these discrepancies greatly influence career decisions for aspiring and current emergency medical technicians in New Iberia.
About the New Iberia Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,676 | $13.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31,057 | $14.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $35,952 | $17.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40,397 | $19.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48,313 | $23.23 |
Median Salary Position
23.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Iberia
In New Iberia, LA, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,637 (2026 est.). At $35,952, the local median is 23.6% below the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Iberia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Iberia Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
New Iberia median: $35,952/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Iberia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $37,964 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | -23.60% less |
Emergency Medical Technicians in New Iberia, LA earn a median of $35,952 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.60% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 5.30% below the Louisiana state average of $37,964.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Iberia has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Iberia, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A emergency medical technician earning $35,952 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $39,814 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$27,099
2025 BLS Actual
$33,975
2026 Current Est.
$35,952
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in New Iberia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $27,099 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,023 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,742 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,373 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,975 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,952 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,045 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Iberia metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $27,099 (2021) to $33,975 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,045 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,946 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Iberia 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) | $28,676 – $31,057 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $31,057 – $35,952 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $35,952 – $40,397 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $40,397 – $48,313 |
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 New Iberia
Looking closer at the local job market, there are only seven emergency medical technicians employed in New Iberia, which limits opportunities but also emphasizes the potential stability within this niche. The cost of living index in the area stands at 90.3, indicating a favorable environment for EMTs, whose salaries are stretched further in comparison to national averages. Among local employers, municipal fire departments typically offer the highest pay, contrasting sharply with private ambulance services like AMR and GMR that often yield lower compensation packages. Factors driving the salary disparity include employer type, along with the availability of shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and the potential for EMTs to transition to paramedic roles. Those aiming to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing certifications that enhance their qualifications and exploring roles in the more lucrative oil-field medic sector, which often pays substantially higher than traditional EMS positions in New Iberia.
More salary data for New Iberia, LA:
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 $33,975 for emergency medical techniciansin the New Iberia 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 New Iberia 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