Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Helena, MT: $43,351 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Helena, MT earns a median $43,351/year (≈ $20.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Helena's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $45,063 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, emergency medical technicians in Helena, MT, can expect a median annual salary of $43,351, which is significantly lower than the national median of $47,058. The local salary range varies from $35,156 at the 10th percentile to $59,150 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the differing opportunities available within the field. The data reflects regional cost adjustments based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data. As EMTs consider transitioning to paramedic training, the potential for increased earnings becomes an enticing pathway, promising better compensation and responsibilities that can elevate the overall job satisfaction in this critical healthcare role.
About the Helena Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,156 | $16.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,011 | $18.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,351 | $20.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,255 | $23.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,150 | $28.43 |
Median Salary Position
7.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Helena
In Helena, MT, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,994 (2026 est.). At $43,351, the local median is 7.88% below the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Helena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Helena Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Helena median: $43,351/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Helena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $45,252 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | -7.88% less |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Helena, MT earn a median of $43,351 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.88% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 4.20% below the Montana state average of $45,252.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Helena has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Helena, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A emergency medical technician earning $43,351 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,063 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$32,676
2025 BLS Actual
$40,967
2026 Current Est.
$43,351
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Helena (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $32,676 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,791 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,863 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,007 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,967 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,351 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,874 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Helena metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $32,676 (2021) to $40,967 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,874 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,198 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Helena 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) | $35,156 – $38,011 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,011 – $43,351 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,351 – $49,255 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,255 – $59,150 |
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 Helena
Given that there are seven emergency medical technicians currently employed in Helena, the local job market remains relatively small but stable. The cost of living index in Helena is 96.2, indicating that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the affordability of living in the area can benefit those in this profession. Among local employers, municipal fire departments typically offer the highest pay, often due to union agreements that secure better wages compared to private ambulance services, which have struggled to keep up with wage inflation. The pay variance can also be attributed to overtime opportunities, shift differentials, and the distinction between union and non-union positions. For those pursuing maximum earnings, considering a progression to paramedic qualifications or seeking positions within fire departments or industrial sectors can yield significantly better compensation and job security in Helena's competitive market.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do emergency medical technicians make in Helena, MT in 2026?
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Can emergency medical technicians make $100K in Helena?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted emergency medical technician salary in Helena?
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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 $40,967 for emergency medical techniciansin the Helena 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 Helena 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