📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Emergency Medical Technician Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$57,595
per year
Median
$53,165
per year
Hourly
$27.69
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$40,898
25th Percentile — Junior$51,074
50th Percentile — Median$53,165
75th Percentile — Senior$73,969
90th Percentile — Top Earners$82,094
💡 Top-earning Emergency Medical Technicians in California make up to $82,094 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$46.2k
2021
$48.3k
2022
$50.5k
2023
$52.7k
2024
$55.1k
2025
$57.6k
2026
📈 Emergency Medical Technician salaries in California have followed the national trend with 4.5% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Emergency Medical Technician Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $89,272 +55.0% High
San Diego $85,241 +48.0% High
San Jose $99,063 +72.0% High
San Francisco $106,551 +85.0% High
Fresno $62,203 +8.0% High
Sacramento $70,266 +22.0% High
Long Beach $83,513 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $62,203 +8.0% High
Anaheim $81,785 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $80,633 +40.0% High
Riverside $73,722 +28.0% High
Stockton $67,962 +18.0% High
Irvine $89,272 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $67,962 +18.0% High
Modesto $64,506 +12.0% High
Fontana $70,266 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $66,234 +15.0% High
Glendale $85,241 +48.0% High
Fremont $92,152 +60.0% High
🔍
Emergency Medical Technician Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Emergency Medical Technicians. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $57,595 per year, California's Emergency Medical Technician salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $40,898–$51,074, while experienced Emergency Medical Technicians can command $73,969–$82,094.

Looking ahead, the Emergency Medical Technician profession in California is projected to grow at 4.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Emergency Medical Technician salary in California is $57,595 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $40,560.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Emergency Medical Technicians the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Emergency Medical Technician employment.
  • At $57,595/year, California Emergency Medical Technician salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $40,560/year.