Emergency Medical Technicians Salary in Iowa
In Iowa, emergency medical technicians earn $39,260 at the median — $18.88 an hour. The range runs from $35K at the entry level to $60K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Iowa. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $39K get you in Iowa?
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Iowa
Entry-level emergency medical technicians (10th percentile) start around $35K. Mid-career wages sit at $39K. Top earners bring in $60K or more, a $26K spread from bottom to top.
Emergency Medical Technicians salary by metro in Iowa
7 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City | $50K | +28% | 70 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $43K | +10% | 160 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $41K | +4% | 70 |
| Sioux City | $40K | +3% | 60 |
| Cedar Rapids | $39K | -1% | 130 |
| Dubuque | $38K | -2% | 40 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $38K | -2% | 170 |
Compare to other states
Track emergency medical technicians salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Iowa numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do emergency medical technicians make in Iowa?
The median is $39,260 a year, that works out to about $19 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $34,620, and experienced emergency medical technicians can clear $60,410. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $39K enough to live in Iowa?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,648/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,064/month, which eats 40.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a emergency medical technicians salary go in Iowa?
Iowa has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median emergency medical technicians salary is worth about $44,182 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do emergency medical technicians get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.