How Much Does an EMT Make in Florida in 2026?

A typical EMT in Florida earns about $19.17 per hour, or $39,870 per year, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That breaks down to roughly $3,322 a month and $767 a week, calculated from the annual figure. Pay differs by city and by years on the job, with real ranges on either side of that midpoint.

That figure sits 10% below the national typical pay of $44,470 a year for EMTs, and Florida ranks 34th out of 51 states and territories on this measure. Lower pay in Florida often tracks a lower cost of living compared with higher-paying states. About 6,060 EMTs work across the state, a workforce large enough to see real differences in pay from one city to the next.

Entry-level EMT positions in Florida typically offer around $16.41 an hour, or about $34,120 a year, among the lowest wages reported for the field. The next step up moves to roughly $17.64 an hour, or $36,690 a year. From there, pay tends to rise toward the statewide typical figure of $39,870 within the first few years on the job.

Experienced EMTs in Florida often earn upwards of $22.60 an hour, or around $47,000 a year, and the top 10% of earners make over $28.37 an hour, or $59,000 annually. That leaves a spread of $24,880 between entry-level and top pay in the state. Setting, city, and years of experience all play into where an individual EMT lands within that range.

Florida EMT pay has risen from $29,340 in 2021 to $39,870 in 2025, a gain of $10,530. That amounts to a 36% increase over that span. The climb reflects several years of rising wages across the field in the state.

Nationally, EMT pay rose 25% over roughly the same period, so Florida's increase has outpaced the national trend. Pay for EMTs in Florida has moved up in recent years, though year-to-year changes are not guaranteed to continue at the same pace. Someone starting out today enters a field where typical pay has climbed substantially since 2021.

Lakeland pays Florida's EMTs the most, with typical pay of $48,510 a year ($23.32 an hour), about 22% above the statewide figure. Winter Haven, part of the same metro area, matches that figure. Bradenton, North Port, and Sarasota follow close behind at $46,690 a year.

At the other end, Homosassa Springs typically pays $33,610 a year ($16.16 an hour), the lowest figure among Florida's metro areas and $14,900 below Lakeland. Miami holds the largest EMT workforce in the state at 1,110 workers, with typical pay of $40,100 a year. Higher pay in cities like Lakeland and Sarasota often lines up with higher living costs in those areas.

Florida's typical EMT pay compares unevenly with its neighbors. Georgia pays more, with typical EMT pay of $45,550 a year, about 14% above Florida's figure. Alabama pays less, at $37,810 a year, about 5% below Florida. EMT certification earned in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a neighboring state, which can matter for anyone weighing a move for better pay.

Typical EMT pay in Florida stands at $39,870 a year ($19.17 an hour), up 36% since 2021. That growth has outpaced the national rate over the same stretch, even though Florida's typical pay still runs below the national figure. Readers weighing certification or a move should check Florida's EMT licensing and registry requirements, along with city-level pay pages, for figures specific to where they plan to work.