Senior Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Williston, ND: $55,982 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of emergency medical technicians working in Williston, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $55,982/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2042. Strip back Williston's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $60,850 in average-cost America. The 36% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Reaching the upper pay scales as an experienced emergency medical technician in Williston, ND, requires both dedication and experience. Projections for 2026 indicate that top earners in this field can expect a salary of $55,982, while those in the 75th percentile earn around $45,938. This represents a significant earnings potential, particularly when compared to the local median annual salary of $41,311. The experience premium in Williston is noteworthy; as professionals accumulate more than seven years of experience, the salary gap widens, emphasizing the value placed on advanced skills and expertise. Achieving this top-tier pay often necessitates specialization in advanced areas of emergency medical services, as well as a commitment to continual education and professional development.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williston
Experienced emergency medical technicians at the top of the pay scale in Williston earn between $45,938 and $55,982 per year (2026 est.). This $22,546 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Williston median of $41,311 sits 12.21% below the US median.
Top EMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Williston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $41,311 | $47,058 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,938 | $53,016 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $55,982 | $66,138 |
In Williston, experienced emergency medical technicians (P90) earn 35.51% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Emergency Medical Technician Pay in Williston
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND emergency medical technicians with additional specialty certifications within the emergency medical services field earn significantly above the $41,311 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Williston employers.
Specialty Focus
Emergency Medical Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the emergency medical services field in Williston command premium compensation, often reaching the $45,938–$55,982 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Williston metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced emergency medical technicians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured emergency medical technicians in Williston with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Emergency Medical Technicians in North Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Emergency Medical Technician Career & Wage Growth Path in Williston
Clinical Emergency Medical Technician
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Emergency Medical Technician
5-10 yearsEmergency Medical Technician Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilliston ranks #7 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner emergency medical technician salary (90th percentile: $55,982).
Top 10% emergency medical technician compensation in Williston ($55,982) is 19.66% below the North Dakota average P90 ($69,679).
2021 BLS Actual
$40,274
2025 BLS Actual
$52,903
2026 Current Est.
$55,982
2021–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Williston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $40,274 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,154 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,271 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,303 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,903 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,982 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,240 | Projected |
Top-earning emergency medical technicians (90th percentile) in Williston saw their compensation grow 31.4% from $40,274 in 2021 to $52,903 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.82% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $59,240 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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.
Maximizing Your Emergency Medical Technician Earnings in Williston
The demand for specific skill sets significantly influences senior emergency medical technician pay in Williston. Unique specializations such as tactical EMS, wilderness EMT, and flight EMT roles can command higher salaries, sometimes markedly above the standard pay rates. The type of employer also plays a substantial role, with municipal fire departments typically offering more competitive compensation compared to private ambulance services due to union contracts that favor cross-trained personnel. Additionally, pursuing advanced credentials like the EMT-to-paramedic bridge or certifications in tactical or wilderness medicine can enhance one’s earning potential. Non-salary compensation factors, including shift differentials, overtime, and the prestige of working in areas like oil-field medicine, can further elevate earnings beyond base rates. As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed about emerging opportunities and specialized training can contribute to a successful and lucrative EMT career in Williston.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced emergency medical technicians make in Williston in 2026?
What drives higher emergency medical technician pay in Williston?
What certifications boost emergency medical technician salary in Williston?
Can experienced emergency medical technicians make six figures in Williston?
How much does emergency medical technician salary increase over time in Williston?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $52,903 for emergency medical technicians in the Williston metro area. A 5.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williston 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