Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Pendleton, OR: $49,262 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Pendleton, OR earns a median $49,262/year (≈ $23.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Pendleton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $48,014 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pendleton, Oregon, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) can expect a median annual salary of $49,262 in 2026. This figure reflects a slight increase over the national median of $47,058, providing a competitive edge for local EMTs. The salary range in Pendleton spans from $40,104 at the 10th percentile to $63,603 at the 90th percentile, showcasing considerable potential for career growth. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted according to regional cost considerations. As local EMTs often bridge towards higher paramedic roles, they can significantly elevate their earning potential and job responsibilities, which contributes to the buoyant job market and skilled workforce in Pendleton.
About the Pendleton Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,104 | $19.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,945 | $20.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,262 | $23.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,260 | $26.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,603 | $30.58 |
Median Salary Position
4.68% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pendleton
In Pendleton, OR, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,499 (2026 est.). At $49,262, the local median is 4.68% above the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pendleton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pendleton Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Pendleton median: $49,262/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pendleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $51,262 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | +4.68% more |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Pendleton, OR earn a median of $49,262 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.68% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $51,262.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pendleton has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pendleton, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,262 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,014 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$37,131
2025 BLS Actual
$46,553
2026 Current Est.
$49,262
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Pendleton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $37,131 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,398 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,754 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,553 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,262 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,129 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pendleton metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $37,131 (2021) to $46,553 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,129 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,998 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pendleton 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) | $40,104 – $42,945 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,945 – $49,262 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,262 – $54,260 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,260 – $63,603 |
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 Pendleton
With only five emergency medical technicians employed in Pendleton, the local job market presents a tight-knit community where opportunities may arise through connections. The average cost-of-living index stands at 102.6, indicating that while salaries for EMTs are competitive, take-home pay must be managed prudently due to higher living costs. In Pendleton, the most lucrative positions often emerge in municipal fire departments, where cross-trained firefighter-EMTs benefit from union benefits and stable salaries, as opposed to private ambulance services, which typically offer lower pay rates. Various factors influence the salary spread in the area, including employer type, overtime pay, and progression to paramedic roles. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications and considering employment with fire departments can pave the way for better financial outcomes.
More salary data for Pendleton, OR:
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 $46,553 for emergency medical techniciansin the Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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