Emergency Medical Technician Salary in East Providence, RI: $46,878 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in East Providence, RI earns a median $46,878/year (≈ $22.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in East Providence's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $46,645 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Providence, Rhode Island, emergency medical technicians are projected to earn a median annual salary of $46,878 in 2026, positioning them slightly below the national median of $47,058 for the same year. This salary encompasses a range from $36,977 at the 10th percentile to $64,079 at the 90th percentile, illustrating significant disparities in earnings based on factors such as employer type and experience. Estimates reflecting local pay structures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted with regional price considerations, providing insight into how the local job market may be impacted by the differing compensation practices between municipal fire departments and private ambulance services. In particular, the ongoing pay gap highlights how fire department EMTs, often cross-trained as firefighters, can command significantly higher wages compared to their counterparts in the private sector, where wages have struggled to keep pace with rising living costs.
About the East Providence Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,977 | $17.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,225 | $19.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,878 | $22.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,430 | $25.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,079 | $30.80 |
Median Salary Position
0.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Providence
In East Providence, RI, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,102 (2026 est.). At $46,878, the local median is 0.38% below the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Providence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Providence Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
East Providence median: $46,878/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Providence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $47,304 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | -0.38% less |
Emergency Medical Technicians in East Providence, RI earn a median of $46,878 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.38% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 0.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $47,304.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Providence has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,878 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,645 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$35,334
2025 BLS Actual
$44,300
2026 Current Est.
$46,878
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in East Providence (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,540 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,781 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,832 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,878 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,607 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Providence metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $35,334 (2021) to $44,300 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,607 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,273 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Providence 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) | $36,977 – $40,225 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,225 – $46,878 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,878 – $52,430 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,430 – $64,079 |
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 East Providence
The East Providence market, currently employing only 10 emergency medical technicians, presents unique challenges and opportunities for those considering a career in this field. With a cost-of-living index at 100.5, which is slightly above the national average, the purchasing power for EMTs in this area is critical to consider. Among local employers, municipal fire departments typically offer the most competitive salaries, benefitting from union agreements that secure better pay and working conditions. In contrast, private ambulance services often lag behind, primarily due to funding limitations and market pressures. The variability in compensation reflects factors like shift differentials, overtime availability, and career progression opportunities, including pathways to become paramedics and specialty pay for tactical teams. For aspiring EMTs or those looking to enhance their pay in East Providence, aligning with a municipal service, seeking advanced certifications, and considering roles in higher-paid sectors such as industrial medical services can significantly boost earning potential.
More salary data for East Providence, RI:
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 $44,300 for emergency medical techniciansin the East Providence 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 East Providence 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