Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Bristol, VA: $39,708 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Bristol, VA earns a median $39,708/year (≈ $19.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $38,477 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.6% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for emergency medical technicians in Bristol, VA, is set at $39,708. This figure reflects a notable disparity when compared to the national median, which stands at $47,058; specifically, EMTs in Bristol earn approximately 15.62% less. The salary range for this role indicates varying experiences and responsibilities, with entry-level positions starting at $32,439 and highly experienced EMTs earning up to $52,707. These estimates are based on detailed 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, emphasizing the need for prospective EMTs to understand not only their earning potential but also the opportunities for career advancement, such as bridging to paramedic certification, which can notably enhance their income and responsibilities in the field.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,439 | $15.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,667 | $16.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,708 | $19.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,814 | $21.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,707 | $25.34 |
Median Salary Position
15.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,268 (2026 est.). At $39,708, the local median is 15.62% below the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Bristol median: $39,708/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $47,047 | -15.60% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | -15.62% less |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Bristol, VA earn a median of $39,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.62% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 15.60% below the Virginia state average of $47,047.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $39,708 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $38,477 — a 3.1% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2021 BLS Actual
$29,930
2025 BLS Actual
$37,524
2026 Current Est.
$39,708
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Bristol (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,951 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,849 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,711 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,524 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,708 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,019 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $29,930 (2021) to $37,524 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,019 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,089 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $32,439 – $34,667 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,667 – $39,708 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,708 – $43,814 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,814 – $52,707 |
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 Bristol
The job market for emergency medical technicians in Bristol remains concentrated, with only six individuals currently employed in this sector. The local cost of living index sits at 103.2, which implies that while salaries are lower than the national average, the purchasing power may not be significantly impacted for those employed here. Employers in Bristol that tend to offer higher wages include fire departments, which often hire cross-trained firefighter-EMTs, as well as private ambulance companies and hospital-based EMS services. Variations in compensation can arise from factors such as employer type, shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and the potential for unions to negotiate better pay in municipal settings. For those seeking to maximize their emergency medical technician pay in Bristol, pursuing advanced certifications or seeking positions within municipal fire departments can greatly enhance salary prospects while also broadening their skill set in emergency response.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do emergency medical technicians make in Bristol, VA in 2026?
Is Bristol, VA a good place to work as a emergency medical technician?
Can emergency medical technicians make $100K in Bristol?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted emergency medical technician salary in Bristol?
How much does a emergency medical technician make per hour in Bristol?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $37,524 for emergency medical techniciansin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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