Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in Arizona can earn up to $57,642 per year, although the average annual pay in the state is about $39,550. A salary can increase or decrease, depending on the level of experience, workplace, and employer.
Aside from finding the right online Arizona EMT certification guide, understanding the salary ranges and factors that influence salaries for EMTs in the southwestern state is essential. You still have to take care of your bills, even if money isn’t your motivating factor for pursuing a career in emergency medical services.
What Determines How Much EMTs in Arizona Earn?
A major concern for many professionals entering the emergency medical services field is the criteria used to determine salary. Many compare available statistics on EMT versus paramedic earning potential in Arizona to determine how much training they need to earn a salary they are happy with.
Earnings can vary due to the level of training and expertise required for each role. For example, paramedics earn more than EMTs because of their advanced training and skills.
Work Location
According to Indeed, Chandler is the highest-paying city for EMTs in Arizona, paying $25.34 per hour, followed by Scottsdale, which pays $23.34 per hour. EMTs in Mesa earn $22.49 per hour, while their counterparts in Tucson and Phoenix earn $21.89 and $21.54 per hour, respectively.
Some cities in Arizona pay EMTs less than $20 an hour. For example, EMTs in Surprise make $19.44 per hour, meaning EMTs in Chandler make $6.90 more than their colleagues in Surprise.
Pay disparities in different locations are due to several factors, including the employer, local economies, and the cost of living. Working for a private employer or hospital isn’t the same as working for a municipality. For one, the latter is likely to offer emergency services personnel a union benefit package.
Employers in high-cost cities like Scottsdale tend to pay their employees more to cover the local cost of living. Other cities, such as Chandler and Tucson, have large populations that require more emergency medical services. EMTs in these areas usually are very busy, which warrants higher pay.
Level of Experience
As with any type of employment, the more experience you have, the more money you’re likely to earn. You’re also likely to earn more if you have more training and have passed more exams, like the one needed for the advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT) certification. Expanding your knowledge, skills, and scope of practice can lead to higher pay.
EMTs with four to six years of experience in Arizona can earn up to $40,000 per year, while beginners may be paid an annual pay of about $34,320. Those with over fifteen years of working experience can make up to $55,099 per year, according to the Talent platform.
Type of Employer
Public entities typically offer union contracts, while private entities have a wider range of compensation plans. Union contracts dictate salary scales and employment benefits.
EMTs in the public sector (e.g., those working for fire departments and public hospitals) earn about $16.72 per hour, while their colleagues in the private sector (e.g., ambulance services) can get up to $21.54 per hour.
Final Thoughts
The average pay for EMTs in Arizona is $19.01 per hour (or $39,550 per year), depending on various factors, including the entity they work for, the location where they provide services, and years of experience.
If you want to learn more about the emergency services industry, including the difference between EMT renewal and recertification in Arizona and how to pass the EMT recertification exam, check out The Paramedic Coach’s resources today!
