Emergency Medical Technicians Salary in Los Angeles, CA
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
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In Los Angeles, California, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) have a median annual salary of $43,430, or about $20.88 per hour. This figure is slightly higher than the national median for EMTs, which stands at $41,340. When compared to the local median household income in Los Angeles, which is approximately $93,525, it becomes evident that an individual working as an EMT earns less than the average household in the area. Despite this discrepancy, EMTs play a critical role in emergency healthcare services within the region, where they are estimated to number around 5,660 employed individuals.
Salaries for Emergency Medical Technicians vary significantly based on experience and skill level. Entry-level EMTs typically earn near the lower end of the pay scale, with salaries at or below the 10th percentile, which is approximately $37,520 annually. As they gain more experience and possibly additional certifications, their earnings increase, with those in the 25th percentile earning about $38,550 per year. Experienced EMTs, especially those who reach the 75th percentile, can earn around $50,170 annually, while top earners in the 90th percentile may make as much as $71,360 annually. The difference in earnings is largely driven by factors such as level of experience, specialized skills, working conditions, and demand for emergency medical services within particular areas or institutions.
Salary percentile breakdown
Los Angeles economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Emergency Medical Technicians make per hour in Los Angeles?
The median hourly wage for Emergency Medical Technicians in Los Angeles, CA is $20.88, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $32.98 or more per hour.
Is Los Angeles above or below average for Emergency Medical Technicians salaries?
The median Emergency Medical Technicians salary in Los Angeles, CA is 5.1% above the national median of $41,340. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Emergency Medical Technicians in Los Angeles?
Entry-level Emergency Medical Technicians (10th percentile) earn around $37,520 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,550.