Texas Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Salary
Explore the complete guide to EMT compensation. Review mean pay, percentiles, local hospital job demand, and specific Board of Nursing (BON) requirements.
State Mean
$37,260
Annual Salary
State Hourly
$19.32
Per hour
COL Adjusted Pay
$40,281
True Purchasing Power
vs National
-10%
Below US Mean
Our nursing salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
Data
reviewed by 
sirI, MSN, RN, APRN, NP
on March 2026
for accuracy.
Salary Range & Percentiles
Salaries for Emergency Medical Technicians in Texas range from $30,320 (entry-level) to $52,160 (highly experienced) annually.
EMT Salary by Metro Area in Texas
Emergency Medical Technician salaries vary significantly across metro areas in Texas. Click any column header to sort, matching the Specialty rankings table behavior.
| Metro Area | Annual | Hourly | vs State Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | $45,740 | $22.37 | +22.8% |
| College Station-Bryan | $44,420 | $21.37 | +19.2% |
| Midland | $44,140 | $21.56 | +18.5% |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | $38,890 | $20.31 | +4.4% |
| Abilene | $38,290 | $18.09 | +2.8% |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $37,900 | $20.08 | +1.7% |
| Sherman-Denison | $37,880 | $21.13 | +1.7% |
| Austin-Round Rock | $37,500 | $20.45 | +0.6% |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | $37,420 | $19.71 | +0.4% |
| Tyler | $37,410 | $19.01 | +0.4% |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $37,160 | $19.14 | -0.3% |
| Laredo | $37,040 | $17.45 | -0.6% |
| Wichita Falls | $36,370 | $17.88 | -2.4% |
| Amarillo | $36,300 | $17.83 | -2.6% |
| Corpus Christi | $36,120 | $17.61 | -3.1% |
| Waco | $35,550 | $17.72 | -4.6% |
| Lubbock | $35,130 | $18.04 | -5.7% |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | $34,750 | $17.85 | -6.7% |
| Eagle Pass | $33,980 | $16.07 | -8.8% |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | $33,820 | $17.43 | -9.2% |
| El Paso | $33,820 | $16.46 | -9.2% |
| Victoria | $33,770 | $17.28 | -9.4% |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | $33,620 | $16.17 | -9.8% |
| Longview | $32,290 | $15.94 | -13.3% |
| Killeen-Temple | $31,160 | $15.53 | -16.4% |
Top Hospitals Hiring EMTs in Texas
Texas is home to leading healthcare facilities. Based on CMS quality ratings, the highest-rated hospitals where EMTs are in demand include:
Houston Methodist Hospital
San Antonio VA Medical Center (Va South Texas Healthcare System)
St David's Medical Center
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
Texas BON & Education Requirements
To practice as a Emergency Medical Technician and earn the salaries listed above, the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners requires strict licensure and certification steps.
-
1
Active RN License: You must hold an active, unencumbered RN license in the state of Texas.
-
2
Graduate Education: Completion of an accredited MSN or DNP program with a specific Emergency Medical Technician track. Top Programs: The University of Texas at Austin and Tarrant County College District
-
3
National Certification: Pass the relevant national certification exam provided by a recognized credentialing body (e.g., ANCC, AACN, NCC).
-
4
Advanced Practice Licensure: Apply for a Nurse Practitioner license or Furnishing Number through the state BON to prescribe medications. Apply for APN Licensure
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Emergency Medical Technician make in Texas?
As of 2025, the median Emergency Medical Technician salary in Texas is $37,260 per year or $19.32 per hour. This is 10% below the national median.
What is the starting salary for a new grad EMT in Texas?
Entry-level Emergency Medical Technicians in Texas typically start around the 10th percentile, earning $30,320. With 5-10 years of experience, EMTs can expect to reach the median salary of $37,260 or higher.
Is Texas a good state for EMT salaries when considering the cost of living?
Texas has a cost of living index of 0.93. When adjusting the raw median salary of $37,260 for local expenses, the true purchasing power is approximately $40,281. This means your dollar stretches further here, giving you more real purchasing power.
How much does an EMT make an hour in Texas?
The median hourly wage for an EMT in Texas is $19.32. Those in the top 90th percentile, often working in specialized or high-acuity roles, can make upwards of $25.08 per hour.
Which hospitals hire the most EMTs in Texas?
Salaries and demand vary by facility, but large medical centers and specialty units generally offer the highest compensation. In Texas, top employers hiring EMTs include Houston Methodist Hospital, San Antonio VA Medical Center (Va South Texas Healthcare System), St David's Medical Center, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.
What are the requirements to become an EMT in Texas?
To practice as a Emergency Medical Technician in Texas, you must hold an active RN license, graduate from an accredited program, pass the relevant national certification exam, and apply for advanced practice licensure through the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
Are there EMT programs in Texas?
Yes, aspiring Emergency Medical Technicians can attend local programs such as The University of Texas at Austin and Tarrant County College District. Alternatively, many Texas nurses opt for accredited online programs that arrange clinical placements at local hospitals.
Is there a high demand for Emergency Medical Technicians in Texas?
Yes, the demand for Emergency Medical Technicians remains strong in Texas, particularly in metro areas supporting large healthcare systems. Job growth is projected to remain steady as facilities seek specialized providers to manage complex patient care.