Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Santa Ana, CA: $24.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Santa Ana, CA runs $24.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,250 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Santa Ana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,744 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in Santa Ana, California, can expect a median hourly pay of $24.63, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $22.62. This compensation not only reflects the local demand for emergency medical services but also supports those who work part-time or on a per-diem basis. For individuals taking on a part-time schedule of three days a week, such as in ambulance patient compartments or hospital emergency department triage areas, this pay translates to a steady income while allowing more flexibility. The hourly pay ranges from $17.47 for entry-level positions to $35.81 for the highest earners, illustrating a diverse earning potential across the profession. Such estimates are derived from 2026 anticipated data, making Santa Ana an attractive location for aspiring EMTs.
About the Santa Ana Market
Salary estimated from California average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.47 | $139.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.95 | $159.58 |
| Median (P50) | $24.63 | $197.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.30 | $226.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.81 | $286.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Ana
Based on $24.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.63/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Ana, CA can expect to earn approximately $51,241 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,562. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Ana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Ana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $985.40 | $4,270 | $51,241 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $591.24 | $2,562 | $30,744 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $394.16 | $1,708 | $20,496 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Santa Ana) | $24.63 |
| Paramedic (National Avg) | $27.18 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.62 |
| Firefighter (National Avg) | $26.89 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.25 |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Santa Ana, CA earn a median of $51,250 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.91% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 6.00% above the California state average of $48,349.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.63/hr = $30,744/year (purchasing power: $27,183).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,241/year (purchasing power: $45,306).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$18.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.63/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Santa Ana (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Santa Ana grew 25.4% from $18.57/hr (2021) to $23.28/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.07/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem emergency medical technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Ana 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.
Working as an Hourly Emergency Medical Technician in Santa Ana
When considering the practical application of hourly rates in Santa Ana, part-time EMTs working a typical 24-hour week could see a significant annual income difference compared to full-time roles. Per-diem EMT positions commonly yield pay ranging from $20 to $32 per hour, with specialized roles such as oil-field medic positions offering $40-$70 per hour depending on location and conditions. Additionally, hourly wages can fluctuate widely based on whether one is employed by private ambulance services, municipal fire departments, or event medical companies. Many EMTs in Santa Ana may choose lower-paying roles that offer health benefits, while others prioritize higher hourly wages without supplemental benefits. Understanding this trade-off can be crucial when negotiating employment terms. For EMTs looking to maximize their hourly pay, focusing on specialized skills or seeking higher-paying industries can be beneficial strategies in the Santa Ana job market.
More salary data for Santa Ana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Santa Ana in 2026?
How much do part-time emergency medical technicians make in Santa Ana?
Are emergency medical technicians in Santa Ana paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time emergency medical technician make per year in Santa Ana?
Do emergency medical technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Ana?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for emergency medical technicians in Santa Ana. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Santa Ana 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