How Much Does an EMT Make in New York in 2026?

A typical EMT in New York earns about $23.27 per hour ($48,400 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). Broken down further, that comes to roughly $4,033 a month or $931 a week, based on the annual figure. Pay varies by city, employer, and experience, but this figure represents the typical wage across the state.

New York pay sits 9% above the national figure of $44,470 a year ($21.38 an hour), placing the state 9th among all 51 states and the District of Columbia. The state employs about 14,840 EMTs, a workforce large enough to support pay comparisons across dozens of cities and metro areas. Higher pay in New York tracks its higher cost of living compared with much of the country.

Entry-level positions in New York typically offer around $19.18 an hour ($39,890 a year), according to the same wage data. That's the pay range for those just starting out or working in lower-paying settings. Pay tends to move toward the state's typical figure of $48,400 within the first few years on the job.

Experienced EMTs in New York often earn upwards of $33.28 an hour ($69,210 a year), the figure reported for the top 10% of earners. That leaves a spread of $29,320 between entry-level and top-tier pay. The gap usually comes down to years of experience, the type of employer, and which city or region the EMT works in.

New York EMT pay has risen steadily over the past five years, climbing from $36,930 in 2021 to $48,400 in 2025. That marks a gain of $11,470, or a 31% increase, over that stretch. The rise has been consistent year over year rather than a single jump.

Nationally, EMT pay rose 25% over the same period, a smaller gain than New York's. New York's climb has therefore outpaced the country as a whole. Someone starting an EMT career in New York today enters a field where pay has moved up substantially in recent years. Nothing about that trend guarantees future gains, but the recent direction has been upward.

Pay runs highest in New York City, where EMTs earn $53,820 a year ($25.88 an hour), about 11% above the statewide figure. These figures cover the full New York City metro area, not just the five boroughs. Poughkeepsie, Kiryas Joel, and Newburgh follow at $48,400 a year, matching the statewide typical figure.

Pay runs lowest around Fort Drum, where EMTs earn $41,190 a year ($19.80 an hour), a spread of $12,630 between the top- and lowest-paying areas. New York City also holds the largest EMT workforce in the state, with 13,780 workers, matching its position as the top-paying city as well. Higher pay in bigger metro areas usually tracks a higher cost of living, so the gap doesn't necessarily translate into more spending power.

New York's EMT pay compares closely with its neighbors. New Jersey pays the most nearby, at $53,610 a year, about 11% higher than New York's statewide figure, while Connecticut ($50,640) and Massachusetts ($50,230) also run higher. Vermont ($45,600) and Pennsylvania ($43,310) pay less, running 11% lower in Pennsylvania's case. EMT licensure earned in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a neighboring state, though requirements vary.

EMTs in New York typically earn $48,400 a year ($23.27 an hour), a figure that has climbed 31% over the past five years. Pay varies by city and experience level, from entry-level positions near $39,890 to top earners above $69,210. Readers considering this career path can check New York's EMT licensing and registry requirements for state-specific steps, and review city-level pages for local pay figures in places like New York City, Albany, or Buffalo.