How Much Does an EMT Make in Oklahoma in 2026?

A typical EMT in Oklahoma earns about $16.43 per hour ($34,170 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). That works out to roughly $2,848 a month and $657 a week, both calculated from the annual figure. Actual pay varies by city, experience, and employer. This figure offers a solid baseline for what to expect statewide.

Oklahoma pay runs 23% below the national figure of $44,470 a year ($21.38 an hour), according to the same May 2025 data. That places Oklahoma 51st among the 51 states and the District of Columbia, the lowest ranking on the list. About 2,410 EMTs work in the state, compared with 180,510 nationwide. Lower pay in Oklahoma tends to track its lower cost of living relative to many other states.

Entry-level EMT positions in Oklahoma typically offer around $13.39 an hour ($27,840 a year), according to the same wage data. That's close to what new EMTs across many states start at, and pay generally rises toward the statewide typical figure of $16.43 an hour within the first few years on the job. Experience, additional certifications, and moving into busier call volumes all help pay climb faster.

Experienced EMTs in Oklahoma often earn upwards of $17.99 to $21.94 an hour, with the top 10% of earners making over $45,630 a year. That's a spread of $17,790 between entry-level and top pay, one of the widest gaps in the field. Setting, years on the job, and which city an EMT works in all play into where someone lands within that range.

Oklahoma EMT pay rose from $28,460 in 2021 to $34,170 in 2025, a gain of $5,710. That's a 20% increase over five years, according to the same government wage data. The rise has been steady each year, without a single flat or down year in the data. For someone starting out now, that trend reflects real, sustained wage growth in the state.

Nationally, EMT pay increased 25% over a comparable period, according to the same data. Oklahoma's 20% rise is close behind but hasn't fully closed the gap with the national figure. Pay has moved up in Oklahoma in recent years, though nothing about future increases is guaranteed.

Pay runs highest in Oklahoma City, where EMTs typically earn $35,630 a year ($17.13 an hour), about 4% above the statewide figure. Oklahoma City is also home to the largest EMT workforce in the state, with 640 workers, more than any other metro area. These figures cover the full Oklahoma City metro area, not just the city center.

Tulsa pays less, with EMTs typically earning $28,350 a year ($13.63 an hour), also covering its full metro area. That's a spread of $7,280 between Oklahoma's highest- and lowest-paying metro areas. The gap generally lines up with differences in local living costs between the two cities.

Oklahoma pays less than every neighboring state. Colorado EMTs typically earn $45,750 a year, 34% more than Oklahoma's figure, while Missouri runs 23% higher at $42,160. Even the closest neighbor, Kansas, pays 5% more at $35,780 a year. An EMT certification earned in Oklahoma can often be transferred or endorsed into a nearby state, though requirements vary by state licensing board.

Oklahoma EMTs typically earn $34,170 a year ($16.43 an hour), a figure that has climbed 20% since 2021 but still trails the national number. Pay varies by city and experience, with Oklahoma City topping the list and entry-level positions starting lower. Anyone considering the field should check Oklahoma's EMS licensing and registry requirements for details on certification, and review city-specific pages for local pay figures before deciding where to work.