Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Tukwila, WA: $48,779 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Tukwila, WA earns a median $48,779/year (≈ $23.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $45,418 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tukwila, Washington, the 2026 projected salary for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) stands at $48,779, slightly above the national median of $47,058. This figure reflects the competitive nature of the job market, particularly the significant pay gap that exists between EMTs employed by local fire departments and those working for private ambulance services. The overall salary range for EMTs in the area spans from $40,707 at the 10th percentile to $64,138 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the diverse compensation potential within the field, showing that while some EMTs may earn just above the lower threshold, others benefit from higher-paying roles within the sector.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,707 | $19.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,108 | $20.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,779 | $23.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,300 | $25.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,138 | $30.84 |
Median Salary Position
3.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,431 (2026 est.). At $48,779, the local median is 3.66% above the national median of $47,058.
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At 40 hours/week in Tukwila: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tukwila Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $48,779/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $52,791 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | +3.66% more |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $48,779 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.66% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $52,791.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,779 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,418 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$36,767
2025 BLS Actual
$46,096
2026 Current Est.
$48,779
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Tukwila (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $36,767 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,021 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,353 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,563 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,096 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,779 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,618 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $36,767 (2021) to $46,096 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,618 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,851 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $40,707 – $42,108 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,108 – $48,779 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,779 – $53,300 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,300 – $64,138 |
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 Tukwila
The local employment scene features just four emergency medical technicians, which can suggest a tight-knit community of professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, expenses in Tukwila are somewhat elevated compared to the national average, potentially impacting take-home salary for EMTs. Among various employers, municipal fire departments typically offer the highest compensation, benefiting from union contracts that afford better pay compared to private companies like AMR or GMR, where earnings tend to lag. Factors driving the wide pay spectrum include employer type, the availability of overtime shifts, and opportunities for EMTs to progress to paramedic licensing or specialized roles. To maximize earnings, EMTs in Tukwila might consider seeking employment with fire departments or exploring positions that offer shift differentials or additional training pathways, enhancing both skills and market value.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do emergency medical technicians make in Tukwila, WA in 2026?
Is Tukwila, WA a good place to work as a emergency medical technician?
Can emergency medical technicians make $100K in Tukwila?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted emergency medical technician salary in Tukwila?
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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 $46,096 for emergency medical techniciansin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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