Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Bismarck, ND: $27.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Bismarck, ND runs $27.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,079 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Bismarck's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,244 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Bismarck, ND, the emergency medical technician hourly pay is set at a median rate of $27.44, significantly above the national median of $22.62. This favorable comparison indicates that EMTs in Bismarck are well-compensated for their work, especially in various settings like ambulance services, hospital emergency departments, and event medical tents. For part-time technicians working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $27,000 annually, providing a solid option for those seeking flexible work arrangements. The hourly earnings range from $18.77 at the entry-level to around $32.93 for more experienced professionals, which aligns with official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates. The broad pay scale reflects the diverse responsibilities and demands placed on emergency medical technicians across different environments, from oil fields to urban medical services.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.77 | $150.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.05 | $152.38 |
| Median (P50) | $27.44 | $219.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.65 | $245.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.93 | $263.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bismarck
Based on $27.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.44/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bismarck, ND can expect to earn approximately $57,073 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,927. With a cost-of-living index of 91.02 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bismarck.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bismarck
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,097.57 | $4,756 | $57,073 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $658.54 | $2,854 | $34,244 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $439.03 | $1,902 | $22,829 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Bismarck) | $27.44 |
| 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 Bismarck, ND earn a median of $57,079 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.29% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 31.80% above the North Dakota state average of $43,308.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.44/hr = $34,244/year (purchasing power: $37,621).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,073/year (purchasing power: $62,701).
CoL index: 91.024 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$20.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.44/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Bismarck (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Bismarck grew 25.4% from $20.68/hr (2021) to $25.93/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.04/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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck
When considering the financial landscape for part-time EMTs, it becomes evident why some individuals opt for per diem roles or agency positions. Part-time emergency medical technicians typically bring home a stable income that may not reach the same levels as full-time counterparts. However, per diem emergency medical technician pay in Bismarck can fluctuate considerably based on various factors, with private companies offering anywhere from $20 to $32 per hour. In contrast, oil-field medics commanding $40 to $70 per hour for 14/14 rotations often balance the higher pay against demanding work conditions. Hourly rates also vary by employer type, with municipal fire departments generally offering more comprehensive benefits packages compared to private ambulance services, translating to a trade-off between hourly wages and job security. Understanding how to negotiate effectively can empower EMTs to secure the best possible hourly pay while also weighing the value of health insurance options that may come with lower rates.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 Bismarck. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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