Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Cary, NC: $51,773 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Cary, NC earns a median $51,773/year (≈ $24.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Cary's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $55,313 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cary, North Carolina, the anticipated median annual salary for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in 2026 is projected to be $51,773, representing a 10.02% increase compared to the national median of $47,058 for that year. The salary range for EMTs in this area varies from $40,733 at the lower end (P10) to $74,994 at the upper end (P90). These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors. Notably, Cary's job market may lack the lucrative opportunities found in oil-field or industrial settings, where medics typically earn higher pay. However, the local demand for EMTs remains strong, creating a competitive environment for salaries that can significantly vary based on employer type and other factors.
About the Cary Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,733 | $19.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,770 | $21.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,773 | $24.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,726 | $27.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,994 | $36.05 |
Median Salary Position
10.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cary
In Cary, NC, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,261 (2026 est.). At $51,773, the local median is 10.02% above the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cary: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cary Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Cary median: $51,773/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cary Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $48,432 | +6.90% more |
| National Average | $47,058 | +10.02% more |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Cary, NC earn a median of $51,773 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.02% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 6.90% above the North Carolina state average of $48,432.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cary has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cary, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A emergency medical technician earning $51,773 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,313 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$39,024
2025 BLS Actual
$48,926
2026 Current Est.
$51,773
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Cary (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39,024 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,355 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,831 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,871 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,926 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,773 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,787 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cary metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $39,024 (2021) to $48,926 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,787 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,763 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cary 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) | $40,733 – $44,770 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,770 – $51,773 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,773 – $57,726 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,726 – $74,994 |
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 Cary
With only 44 emergency medical technicians currently employed in Cary, the local job market presents a balanced employment landscape. The cost of living index in the area stands at 93.6, which indicates a lower-than-average living expense, positively influencing the purchasing power of EMT salaries. Among the highest-paying employers in Cary are municipal fire departments that often hire cross-trained firefighter-EMTs, alongside private ambulance services and event medical services. The disparity between low and high pay reflects factors such as employer type, with fire departments typically offering better compensation due to union contracts, as well as the potential for overtime, tactical pay, and advancement opportunities through EMT-to-paramedic programs. For those seeking to enhance their earnings, pursuing these roles at municipal agencies or specialized medical services can be an effective strategy in Cary, NC.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
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 $48,926 for emergency medical techniciansin the Cary 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 Cary 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