Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Radford, VA: $52,026 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Radford, VA earns a median $52,026/year (≈ $25.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Radford's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $50,413 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.6% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, emergency medical technicians in Radford, Virginia, can expect a median salary of $52,026, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national median of $47,058, translating to a roughly 10.56% advantage for local professionals. Salary figures range from $41,787 at the 10th percentile to $66,859 at the 90th percentile, highlighting potential earnings variability based on experience and employer type. These estimates are tailored using state-level data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and take into account regional price adjustments, addressing local economic conditions. For EMTs in Radford, opportunities in industrial sectors or oil-field medic positions could significantly boost their earnings compared to traditional private ambulance roles.
About the Radford Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,787 | $20.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,111 | $22.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,026 | $25.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,891 | $26.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,859 | $32.15 |
Median Salary Position
10.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Radford
In Radford, VA, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,072 (2026 est.). At $52,026, the local median is 10.56% above the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Radford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Radford Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Radford median: $52,026/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Radford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $47,040 | +10.60% more |
| National Average | $47,058 | +10.56% more |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Radford, VA earn a median of $52,026 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.56% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 10.60% above the Virginia state average of $47,040.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Radford has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Radford, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,026 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,413 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$39,215
2025 BLS Actual
$49,165
2026 Current Est.
$52,026
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Radford (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39,215 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,553 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,507 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,165 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,026 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,054 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Radford metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $39,215 (2021) to $49,165 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,054 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,839 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Radford 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) | $41,787 – $47,111 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,111 – $52,026 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,026 – $55,891 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,891 – $66,859 |
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 Radford
Currently, there are about six emergency medical technicians employed in Radford, indicating a niche market that could lead to stability in job opportunities. The area's cost of living index stands at 103.2, which is slightly above the national average, emphasizing the need for competitive wages to maintain purchasing power. Among local employers, municipal fire departments typically offer the highest compensation due to union negotiations and benefits, while private EMS companies often lag behind in pay. The notable gaps in pay can arise from overtime opportunities, shift differentials, and potential progression pathways to paramedic roles. To optimize earnings, aspiring EMTs should consider diversifying their skills for higher-paying positions or engaging with more lucrative employers such as oil-field medical services while navigating their professional development within Radford's medical landscape.
More salary data for Radford, VA:
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 $49,165 for emergency medical techniciansin the Radford 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 Radford 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