How Much Does an EMT Make in Oregon in 2026?

A typical EMT in Oregon earns about $23.69 per hour ($49,270 per year), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That breaks down to roughly $4,106 a month and $948 a week, both calculated from the annual figure. These numbers describe pay across the whole state, from small-town ambulance services to city fire departments.

That's about 11% above the national typical pay of $21.38 an hour ($44,470 a year), and Oregon ranks 8th among the 51 states and territories measured. Around 1,970 EMTs work across Oregon, a workforce large enough to make these figures dependable at the state level. That gap tracks Oregon's cost of living, which runs higher than typical in many parts of the state.

Entry-level positions in Oregon typically offer around $18.08 an hour, or about $37,600 a year. Pay tends to climb with experience and additional certifications. Within a few years, many EMTs move toward the state's typical pay of $49,270 a year.

Experienced EMTs in Oregon often earn upwards of $26.70 an hour, and the top 10% of earners make over $30.50 an hour ($63,430 a year). That's a spread of $25,830 between entry-level and top-tier pay. Much of that gap comes down to years on the job, the employer setting, such as a hospital, private ambulance service, or fire department, and the city where an EMT works.

Oregon's typical EMT pay rose from $36,400 in 2021 to $49,270 in 2025, a gain of $12,870 over five years. That increase came steadily, with pay climbing every single year in the data. It reflects a strong stretch of wage growth for EMTs statewide.

Nationally, EMT pay rose 25% over the past decade, according to the same wage data. Oregon's pay has climbed in dollar terms every year since 2021, putting the state well ahead of where it started. For someone entering the field now, that history points to steady wage growth, though it's not a promise of future gains.

Pay runs highest in Portland, where the typical EMT earns $52,010 a year ($25.01 an hour), about 6% above the state figure. Salem follows closely at $50,800 a year ($24.42 an hour), and Medford comes in at $48,460 a year ($23.30 an hour). These figures cover each city's full metro area, not just the city center.

Pay runs lowest in Bend, where the typical EMT earns $36,630 a year ($17.61 an hour), a spread of $15,380 between the highest- and lowest-paying cities. Portland also holds the state's largest EMT workforce, with 1,040 workers. Part of that spread tracks cost of living, since cities with higher pay usually cost more to live in as well.

Oregon's typical EMT pay compares well with most of its neighbors. Washington pays more, at $52,690 a year, about 7% above Oregon, while California trails at $46,380 a year, about 6% lower. Idaho and Nevada pay considerably less, at $38,840 and $37,560 a year. EMT certification earned in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a neighboring state, though requirements vary by state.

Oregon's typical EMT now earns $49,270 a year ($23.69 an hour), up $12,870 since 2021. That puts Oregon EMTs among the higher-paid states nationwide, ranking 8th out of 51 states measured. Readers considering this career should check Oregon's EMT licensing and registry requirements with the state's health authority, and look at city-level figures for Portland, Salem, Medford, Eugene, Springfield, and Bend before deciding where to work.