Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Norfolk, NE: $40,100 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Norfolk, NE earns a median $40,100/year (≈ $19.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $43,825 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Nebraska, the expected compensation for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in 2026 is projected to reach a median annual salary of $40,100. This figure lags behind the national median of $47,058, reflecting a gap that can largely be attributed to local market conditions and the prevalent pay structure in different sectors. The salary range for EMTs in this area stretches from $33,798 at the lower 10th percentile to $53,288 at the 90th percentile. Distinctions in pay can often be found between emergency medical positions in municipal fire departments and those in the private ambulance sector, with fire department roles typically offering significantly higher wages due to union contracts and cross-training opportunities.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,798 | $16.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,891 | $17.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,100 | $19.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,165 | $21.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,288 | $25.62 |
Median Salary Position
14.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, NE, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,490 (2026 est.). At $40,100, the local median is 14.79% below the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $40,100/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $43,072 | -6.90% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | -14.79% less |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Norfolk, NE earn a median of $40,100 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.79% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $43,072.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A emergency medical technician earning $40,100 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,825 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$30,226
2025 BLS Actual
$37,895
2026 Current Est.
$40,100
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Norfolk (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,226 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,257 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,174 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,973 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,895 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,100 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,434 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $30,226 (2021) to $37,895 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,434 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,208 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $33,798 – $35,891 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,891 – $40,100 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,100 – $44,165 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,165 – $53,288 |
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 Norfolk
Examining the job market in Norfolk, currently six emergency medical technicians are employed, indicating a relatively stable demand for these critical services. The cost of living index for Norfolk is at 91.5, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power can still be manageable for EMTs living in the area. Private ambulance services such as AMR and GMR cannot compete with the pay rates offered by local fire departments, which typically provide better compensation packages due to their union affiliations. Furthermore, factors such as shift differentials and overtime availability can significantly influence salary variations. To enhance earnings, EMTs may consider pursuing the EMT-to-paramedic bridge pathway or seeking opportunities within industrial medical roles, where hourly wages can exceed $50. Understanding the local dynamics of emergency medical technician pay in Norfolk, NE can help candidates make informed career decisions and optimize their income potential.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do emergency medical technicians make in Norfolk, NE in 2026?
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Can emergency medical technicians make $100K in Norfolk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted emergency medical technician salary in Norfolk?
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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 $37,895 for emergency medical techniciansin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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