Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Cleveland, TN: $40,495 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Cleveland, TN earns a median $40,495/year (≈ $19.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Cleveland's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $44,112 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cleveland, TN, emergency medical technicians can expect a median annual salary of $40,495 in 2026. This figure reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and takes into consideration the regional cost of living, which is somewhat lower than the national average. The salary range for EMTs in the area spans from $33,063 at the 10th percentile to $56,699 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the variability tied to experience, training, and the type of employer. Those who progress to paramedic status typically see significant pay increases, capitalizing on their specialized training and skills. With the projected annual growth rate of 5.82%, this occupation is poised for positive trends, which is a valuable insight for both current and aspiring EMTs in Cleveland's job market.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,063 | $15.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,577 | $17.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,495 | $19.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,110 | $22.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,699 | $27.26 |
Median Salary Position
13.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
In Cleveland, TN, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,636 (2026 est.). At $40,495, the local median is 13.95% below the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleveland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cleveland Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Cleveland median: $40,495/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $41,449 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | -13.95% less |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Cleveland, TN earn a median of $40,495 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.95% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 2.30% below the Tennessee state average of $41,449.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleveland, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A emergency medical technician earning $40,495 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,112 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$30,523
2025 BLS Actual
$38,268
2026 Current Est.
$40,495
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Cleveland (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,523 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,501 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,485 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,268 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,495 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,852 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $30,523 (2021) to $38,268 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,852 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,329 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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) | $33,063 – $35,577 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,577 – $40,495 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,495 – $46,110 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,110 – $56,699 |
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 Cleveland
As of now, there are only 10 emergency medical technicians employed in Cleveland, which may suggest a competitive local job market. The cost of living index in the area is 91.8, indicating that the purchasing power of the salary is relatively favorable when compared to national averages. EMTs working for municipal fire departments often benefit from higher wages due to union contracts, which can significantly outpace those employed by private ambulance services. Factors such as shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and career progression towards paramedic roles further influence salary variability. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Cleveland, gaining certification in specialty areas, seeking employment with municipal departments, and taking advantage of available overtime shifts can be effective strategies to enhance their emergency medical technician pay.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do emergency medical technicians make in Cleveland, TN in 2026?
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Can emergency medical technicians make $100K in Cleveland?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted emergency medical technician salary in Cleveland?
How much does a emergency medical technician make per hour in Cleveland?
Related Pages
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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 $38,268 for emergency medical techniciansin the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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