Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Pasco, WA: $51,490 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Pasco, WA earns a median $51,490/year (≈ $24.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Pasco's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $47,942 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Pasco, Washington, the projected 2026 median salary for emergency medical technicians stands at $51,490, which reflects a notable increase compared to national figures. This local estimate indicates a broad salary range for the profession, from $40,576 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $72,123 (P90). It's crucial to note that these figures are based on 2025 BLS estimates, adjusted for regional cost considerations. As EMTs in Pasco progress in their careers, particularly through the EMT-to-paramedic bridge pathway, their earning potential can significantly increase, enhancing both the quality of service they provide and their job satisfaction.
About the Pasco Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,576 | $19.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,360 | $21.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,490 | $24.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,249 | $28.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,123 | $34.68 |
Median Salary Position
9.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasco
In Pasco, WA, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,547 (2026 est.). At $51,490, the local median is 9.42% above the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasco: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasco Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Pasco median: $51,490/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasco Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $52,756 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | +9.42% more |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Pasco, WA earn a median of $51,490 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.42% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 2.40% below the Washington state average of $52,756.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasco has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasco, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,490 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,942 — a 6.89% 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
$38,810
2025 BLS Actual
$48,658
2026 Current Est.
$51,490
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Pasco (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $38,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,134 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,596 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,874 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,658 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,490 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,487 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasco metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $38,810 (2021) to $48,658 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,487 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,677 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasco 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) | $40,576 – $44,360 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,360 – $51,490 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,490 – $58,249 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,249 – $72,123 |
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 Pasco
The local job market for emergency medical technicians includes a modest cohort of 18 professionals. However, Pasco's cost of living index sits at 107.4, suggesting that living expenses are above the national average, which can impact disposable income for workers in this field. Employers such as municipal fire departments typically offer the most competitive wages, thanks to union contracts that provide benefits and better pay compared to private ambulance services. Additionally, the disparity in wages often stems from factors like shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and various employer types, with industrial or oil-field positions often commanding higher hourly rates. To maximize earnings, EMTs in Pasco should consider obtaining additional certifications, such as NREMT, and seek employment with municipal fire departments while being open to transitioning to paramedic roles for significant salary advancements.
More salary data for Pasco, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do emergency medical technicians make in Pasco, WA in 2026?
Is Pasco, WA a good place to work as a emergency medical technician?
Can emergency medical technicians make $100K in Pasco?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted emergency medical technician salary in Pasco?
How much does a emergency medical technician make per hour in Pasco?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $48,658 for emergency medical techniciansin the Pasco 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 Pasco 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