How to Become a Emergency Medical Technicians in California
Emergency Medical Technicians in California earn a median salary of $45,680/year, which is 10% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~2.3%. After taxes and rent, a emergency medical technicians takes home approximately $1,731/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a emergency medical technicians can afford in California
Becoming a emergency medical technicians in California
Meet education requirements
Emergency Medical Technicians positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many emergency medical technicians positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for emergency medical technicianss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 19,020 emergency medical technicians. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and Salinas.
Emergency Medical Technicians salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $58K | $28/hr | 750 |
| Salinas | $50K | $24.08/hr | 140 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $50K | $24/hr | 1,130 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $50K | $23.9/hr | 3,080 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $48K | $23.24/hr | 350 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $47K | $22.61/hr | 310 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $47K | $22.45/hr | 130 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $46K | $22.11/hr | 270 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $46K | $21.89/hr | 110 |
| Modesto | $44K | $21.13/hr | 370 |
| Vallejo | $44K | $21.03/hr | 380 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $43K | $20.88/hr | 5,660 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $43K | $20.81/hr | 1,710 |
| Yuba City | $43K | $20.68/hr | 100 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $41K | $19.71/hr | 1,540 |
Emergency Medical Technicians salary range in California
Emergency Medical Technicians careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a emergency medical technicians make in California?▼
The median emergency medical technicians salary in California is $45,680 per year ($21.96/hr). This is 10% above the national median of $41,340. Salaries range from $37,370 to $76,630.
What are the requirements to become a emergency medical technicians in California?▼
Emergency Medical Technicians positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a emergency medical technicians afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $45,680, a emergency medical technicians in California would take home approximately $3,143/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 44.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for emergency medical technicians in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for emergency medical technicians in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($58,250), Salinas ($50,080), Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom ($49,930). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for emergency medical technicians?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 2.3%. On a $45,680 salary, this means roughly $1,031/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.