Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $43,799 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Chattanooga, TN earns a median $43,799/year (≈ $21.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Chattanooga's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $47,887 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.6% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the emergency medical technician salary in Chattanooga is set to reach a median of $43,799, which is slightly lower than the national median of $47,058. The salary range for EMTs in the region will vary significantly, spanning from $33,270 at the 10th percentile to $51,069 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, highlighting the essential nature of this profession within the healthcare and emergency services sector. As many EMTs consider advancing to a paramedic role, understanding this pay structure is critical, especially given that paramedics typically earn significantly higher salaries, thereby enhancing job prospects and earning potential in the competitive job market of Chattanooga.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,270 | $16.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,106 | $19.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,799 | $21.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,614 | $23.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,069 | $24.55 |
Median Salary Position
6.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, TN, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,799 (2026 est.). At $43,799, the local median is 6.93% below the national median of $47,058.
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At 40 hours/week in Chattanooga: You'd be above the median
How Chattanooga Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Chattanooga median: $43,799/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chattanooga Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $41,476 | +5.60% more |
| National Average | $47,058 | -6.93% less |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $43,799 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.93% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 5.60% above the Tennessee state average of $41,476.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chattanooga has a cost of living 8.54% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chattanooga, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.464 (below the national average of 100). A emergency medical technician earning $43,799 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,887 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.33% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$36,290
2025 BLS Actual
$41,390
2026 Current Est.
$43,799
2021–2027 Growth
+27.7%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Chattanooga (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $36,290 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,450 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,940 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,799 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,348 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chattanooga metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 14.1% from $36,290 (2021) to $41,390 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,348 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,058 (27.72%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chattanooga 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) | $33,270 – $40,106 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,106 – $43,799 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,799 – $48,614 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,614 – $51,069 |
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 Chattanooga
Chattanooga's labor market currently supports approximately 270 emergency medical technicians, reflecting the demand for qualified professionals in this field. With a cost-of-living index at 91.464, salaries in Chattanooga offer a relatively stable purchasing power compared to the national average. Employers such as municipal fire departments generally provide superior compensation compared to private ambulance services, which in recent years have struggled to keep pace with inflation. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Chattanooga, pursuing further certifications, overtime opportunities, and considering a shift to emergency services affiliated with hospitals or county EMS systems can prove beneficial. Additionally, bridging the gap to become a paramedic not only offers increased pay but also opens doors to more advanced roles within emergency medical services. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for determining how much do emergency medical technicians make in Chattanooga and finding the best opportunity tailored to one's career aspirations.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do emergency medical technicians make in Chattanooga, TN in 2026?
Is Chattanooga, TN a good place to work as a emergency medical technician?
Can emergency medical technicians make $100K in Chattanooga?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted emergency medical technician salary in Chattanooga?
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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 $41,390 for emergency medical techniciansin the Chattanooga 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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