Senior Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Burlington, VT: $62,593 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of emergency medical technicians working in Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $62,593/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2042. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $62,005 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior emergency medical technicians in Burlington, Vermont are positioned to earn competitive salaries, with the highest earners (P90) reaching up to $62,593 in 2026. The median annual salary for experienced professionals in this field is projected at $51,037, showcasing a significant gap that emphasizes the value placed on top-tier skills and extensive experience. To achieve such elevated pay, EMTs must not only accumulate over seven years of hands-on experience but also consider specializations and certifications that may enhance their marketability within the region. In fact, Burlington's top emergency medical technician salary stands out, offering a premium above the national P90 average, reflecting the unique healthcare landscape and demand for skilled professionals in Vermont.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced emergency medical technicians at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $51,979 and $62,593 per year (2026 est.). This $23,683 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $51,037 sits 8.46% above the US median.
Top EMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $51,037 | $47,058 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,979 | $53,016 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $62,593 | $66,138 |
In Burlington, experienced emergency medical technicians (P90) earn 22.64% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Emergency Medical Technician Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT emergency medical technicians with additional specialty certifications within the emergency medical services field earn significantly above the $51,037 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Emergency Medical Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the emergency medical services field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $51,979–$62,593 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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 Vermont 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 Burlington
Clinical Emergency Medical Technician
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Emergency Medical Technician
5-10 yearsEmergency Medical Technician Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #2 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner emergency medical technician salary (90th percentile: $62,593).
Top 10% emergency medical technician compensation in Burlington ($62,593) is 0.35% above the Vermont average P90 ($62,378).
2021 BLS Actual
$46,470
2025 BLS Actual
$59,150
2026 Current Est.
$62,593
2021–2027 Growth
+42.5%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Burlington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $46,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,593 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,235 | Projected |
Top-earning emergency medical technicians (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $46,470 in 2021 to $59,150 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 $66,235 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
In Burlington, specialized roles significantly influence senior emergency medical technician pay in VT, with niches such as tactical EMS, flight EMT, and neonatal transport commanding higher salaries. Compensation varies notably between different employer types; while cross-trained firefighter-EMTs in municipal departments tend to earn more due to union-negotiated contracts, private ambulance services often lag behind, offering lower pay due to budget constraints. Furthermore, pathways to advancement are available, including positions like operations supervisor or EMS instructor, as well as the EMT-to-paramedic bridge program that enhances earning potential. Obtaining advanced credentials—such as NREMT registration and additional specialties like wilderness or tactical EMS—can further elevate an EMT's compensation. Non-salary incentives, including overtime opportunities and shift differentials, play a crucial role in overall job satisfaction and total income, making Burlington a compelling market for those seeking to maximize their emergency medical technician salary potential.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced emergency medical technicians make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher emergency medical technician pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost emergency medical technician salary in Burlington?
Can experienced emergency medical technicians make six figures in Burlington?
How much does emergency medical technician salary increase over time in Burlington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Vermont
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 $59,150 for emergency medical technicians in the Burlington 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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