Emergency Medical Technician Salary in South Burlington, VT: $51,296 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in South Burlington, VT earns a median $51,296/year (≈ $24.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in South Burlington's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $49,561 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% above the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Emergency medical technicians in South Burlington, Vermont, can expect a median annual salary of $51,296 in 2026, which is notably higher than the projected national median of $47,058, placing local compensation roughly 9.01% above the national average. The salary range for EMTs here varies significantly, from $40,118 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $69,547 at the upper end (90th percentile). These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for the regional cost of living. A particularly notable aspect of South Burlington's job market is the pronounced pay gap between EMTs employed by fire departments and those working for private ambulance companies, a distinction that affects the overall earning potential within the region.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,118 | $19.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,647 | $20.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,296 | $24.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,350 | $27.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,547 | $33.44 |
Median Salary Position
9.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
In South Burlington, VT, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,429 (2026 est.). At $51,296, the local median is 9.01% above the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Burlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Burlington Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
South Burlington median: $51,296/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $48,714 | +5.30% more |
| National Average | $47,058 | +9.01% more |
Emergency Medical Technicians in South Burlington, VT earn a median of $51,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.01% higher than the national median of $47,058 and 5.30% above the Vermont state average of $48,714.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Burlington has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Burlington, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,296 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,561 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$38,664
2025 BLS Actual
$48,475
2026 Current Est.
$51,296
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in South Burlington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $38,664 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,983 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,436 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,158 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,475 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,296 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,282 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Burlington metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $38,664 (2021) to $48,475 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,282 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,618 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $40,118 – $43,647 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,647 – $51,296 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,296 – $57,350 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,350 – $69,547 |
EMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual emergency medical technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Emergency Medical Technician Job Market in South Burlington
With only four emergency medical technicians currently employed in South Burlington, the local job market remains relatively small yet stable. The area's cost-of-living index sits at 103.5, indicating higher living expenses compared to the national average, which can impact take-home pay. Among employers, municipal fire departments tend to offer the most competitive salaries for EMTs, often committing to union contracts that provide better pay and benefits than private ambulance services, where wages have struggled to keep up with inflation. The disparity in earnings is also influenced by factors such as shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and the potential career advancement from EMT to paramedic roles. Those looking to maximize their earnings in South Burlington should explore opportunities within fire departments or consider positions in industrial or event medical services, which can yield significantly higher wages than traditional private ambulance roles.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $48,475 for emergency medical techniciansin the South Burlington metropolitan area. A 5.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Burlington 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