Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Waco, TX: $18.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Waco, TX runs $18.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,619 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Waco's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,570 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waco, Texas, the emergency medical technician hourly pay is estimated to be $18.08 for 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $22.62, reflecting regional disparities in compensation for EMTs. For those working part-time, such as 24 hours a week over three days, this translates into a yearly income that may fall short compared to full-time roles. The hourly range in Waco extends from approximately $15.59 for entry-level positions to around $23.28 for the more experienced and specialized EMTs. This data stems from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, suggesting that while the pay scale might not compete aggressively with national averages, there are opportunities in various settings, including ambulance services, hospitals, and even event venues.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.59 | $124.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.25 | $130.03 |
| Median (P50) | $18.08 | $144.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.08 | $152.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.28 | $186.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waco
Based on $18.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.08/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waco, TX can expect to earn approximately $37,616 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,702. With a cost-of-living index of 92.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $723.39 | $3,135 | $37,616 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $434.03 | $1,881 | $22,570 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $289.35 | $1,254 | $15,046 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Waco) | $18.08 |
| 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 Waco, TX earn a median of $37,619 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.06% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 2.20% below the Texas state average of $38,465.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.08/hr = $22,570/year (purchasing power: $24,386).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,616/year (purchasing power: $40,644).
CoL index: 92.55 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$14.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.08/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+35.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Waco (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Waco grew 21.1% from $14.11/hr (2021) to $17.09/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.14/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 Waco 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 Waco
For EMTs considering different employment structures, part-time work alongside per diem opportunities can enhance their income potential. Working 24 hours per week at the projected pay results in about $22,000 annually, which reflects the financial reality for many who may not wish to commit to full-time roles. Conversely, per diem emergency medical technician pay in Waco can range significantly, with some private companies offering rates between $20 and $32 per hour. Certain sectors, particularly oil-field medic positions, can command higher rates of $40 to $70 per hour due to the demanding nature and remote locations of the work. Compensation differs depending on the employer type; EMTs in municipal fire departments may earn higher wages due to union contracts compared to their colleagues in private ambulance services. There is also a need for tactful negotiation; those balancing benefits against hourly wages must consider whether higher pay without benefits aligns with their personal needs and long-term career goals.
More salary data for Waco, TX:
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 Waco. 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, 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