How Much Does an EMT Make in Missouri in 2026?

A typical EMT in Missouri earns about $20.27 per hour, or $42,160 per year, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). Broken down further, that comes to roughly $3,513 a month and $811 a week. These monthly and weekly figures are calculated from the annual median, not reported separately.

That pay sits 5% below the national hourly rate of $21.38, and Missouri ranks 27th out of 51 states for EMT pay. About 2,800 EMTs work across the state, a modest share compared with the 180,510 counted nationwide. A rank of 27th places Missouri in the middle third of all states for EMT pay.

Entry-level positions in Missouri typically offer around $16.53 an hour, or about $34,390 a year. Pay for newer EMTs often sits closer to $17.82 an hour and $37,060 a year as they gain a bit of experience. From there, pay tends to move toward the state's typical $42,160 a year within the first few years on the job.

Experienced EMTs in Missouri often earn upwards of $22.71 an hour, and the top 10% of earners make over $27.93 an hour, or $58,090 a year. That leaves a spread of $23,700 between entry-level and top-tier pay. The gap usually comes down to setting, years on the job, and which city an EMT works in.

Missouri's EMT pay has climbed over the past five years, from $29,110 in 2021 to $42,160 in 2025. That's a gain of $13,050, or a 45% rise, in the state's typical annual pay. Most of that climb happened steadily each year rather than in one jump.

Nationally, EMT pay rose 25% over that same stretch, so Missouri's climb ran well ahead of the broader national trend. Pay has moved up substantially for people already working as EMTs in the state. That doesn't promise the same pace going forward, but it reflects real, recent gains for anyone starting out now.

Pay runs highest in Columbia, where EMTs earn $43,980 a year ($21.14 an hour), about 4% above the state figure. Springfield follows closely at $43,700 a year, and Kansas City comes in at $42,670. These figures reflect each city's full metro area, not just the city limits.

Pay runs lowest in Cape Girardeau, at $35,550 a year, putting the spread between the state's highest- and lowest-paying cities at $8,430. St. Louis employs the most EMTs of any Missouri city, with 1,550 workers, even though its $41,910 typical pay sits below Columbia's and Springfield's. Cities with lower pay generally also have a lower cost of living.

Missouri's EMT pay is close to Illinois, where the typical figure is $42,260, just about even with Missouri's own $42,160. Oklahoma sits well below both, at $34,170 a year, a difference of 19%. Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Kansas all pay somewhat less than Missouri as well. EMT licensure earned in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a neighboring state, which can simplify a move across the border.

Missouri EMTs typically earn $42,160 a year ($20.27 an hour) as of May 2025, up 45% over the past five years. Pay varies by city, from Columbia's $43,980 down to Cape Girardeau's $35,550, and sits slightly below the national figure overall. Anyone considering the field should check Missouri's EMT licensing and registry requirements directly, and compare local pay using individual city pages.