How Much Does an EMT Make in Texas in 2026?

A typical EMT in Texas earns about $17.91 per hour, or $37,260 per year, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That breaks down to roughly $3,105 a month. Calculated from the annual figure, weekly pay comes to about $717. These figures describe typical pay across the state before accounting for city or employer differences.

Texas EMTs earn 16% less than the national typical pay of $44,470 a year, and $21.38 an hour nationally. Texas ranks 42nd out of 51 states and Washington D.C. for EMT pay. About 12,770 EMTs work in Texas, compared with 180,510 nationwide. Lower pay in Texas tends to track the state's lower cost of living in many areas.

Entry-level EMT positions in Texas typically offer around $14.58 an hour, or about $30,320 a year. New EMTs often start near this figure in their first year or two on the job. Pay generally moves toward the statewide typical of $37,260 as EMTs gain experience and certifications. Additional training, such as advancing to EMT-Intermediate or Paramedic, can speed that climb.

Experienced EMTs in Texas often earn upwards of $21.27 an hour, or about $44,240 a year, well above the statewide typical pay. The top 10% of earners make over $25.08 an hour, or $52,160 a year. That leaves a spread of $21,840 between entry-level and top pay in the state. Setting, employer type, and years of service tend to separate the two groups more than any single factor.

Typical EMT pay in Texas rose from $34,630 in 2021 to $37,260 in 2025, a gain of $2,630, or about 7.6%, over five years. Pay dipped slightly in 2022 before climbing steadily each year after. The rise has been gradual rather than a single jump. By 2025, typical pay had reached its highest point in this five-year record.

Nationally, typical EMT pay rose about 25% over the same kind of stretch, a faster pace than the Texas increase. Texas pay has moved up each of the last several years, even with the one dip. Someone starting as an EMT in Texas today enters a field where pay has trended upward, though future gains are not guaranteed. Past growth offers context, not a promise.

EMT pay runs highest around Round Rock, where the typical wage reaches $45,740 a year, or $21.99 an hour, about 23% above the statewide figure. Austin and San Marcos, part of the same metro area, report identical pay. These figures cover each city's full metro area, not just the city center. Bryan and College Station follow closely, with typical pay near $44,420 a year.

Pay runs lowest in Longview, at $32,290 a year, or $15.53 an hour, a spread of $13,450 from the top-paying city. Fort Worth employs the most EMTs in Texas, about 3,000, with typical pay of $37,900 a year, or $18.22 an hour, close to the statewide figure. Higher pay in some cities generally tracks a higher cost of living.

Among neighboring states, New Mexico pays EMTs slightly more than Texas, at $37,550 a year, about 1% higher. Arkansas ($36,230), Louisiana ($35,870), and Oklahoma ($34,170) all pay somewhat less, with Oklahoma trailing by about 8%, the widest gap among the four. EMT licensure earned in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a neighboring state, though requirements vary.

Texas EMTs typically earn $37,260 a year, or $17.91 an hour, up $2,630 from 2021. That five-year rise reflects steady, gradual growth rather than a sudden jump. Readers weighing this career should check the Texas licensing and registry requirements for EMTs, and compare local figures on individual city pages, since pay varies by thousands of dollars depending on where an EMT works in the state.