EMT Salaries in Tennessee — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median emt salary in Tennessee is $37,630 per year, equivalent to $18.09/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Tennessee employs approximately 3,420 emts statewide.
EMT salaries in Tennessee are below the national average by approximately $3,715. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Tennessee's economy continues to add emt jobs as population and businesses grow.
Tennessee EMT Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Tennessee after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Tennessee has no earned income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Tennessee EMT Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Tennessee median of $37,630.
EMT Salary by Experience — Tennessee
EMT Salary Trend in Tennessee — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Tennessee has seen 13.9% wage growth for emts — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Tennessee's emergency medical services.
EMT Salary by City — Tennessee
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $41,750 | $20.07 | +10.9% | 1,197 |
| Memphis | $39,900 | $19.18 | +6.0% | 957 |
| Knoxville | $38,750 | $18.63 | +3.0% | 615 |
| Chattanooga | $36,100 | $17.36 | -4.1% | 307 |
| Clarksville | $34,250 | $16.47 | -9.0% | 205 |
| Murfreesboro | $32,750 | $15.75 | -13.0% | 136 |
Tip: Nashville offers the highest emt salaries in Tennessee at $41,750/yr — +10.9% above the state average.
Tennessee vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Tennessee compares favourably for emts.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
EMT Job Outlook in Tennessee
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for emts in Tennessee is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Tennessee job market. Tennessee's economy continues to add emt jobs as population and businesses grow.
How to Earn More as an EMT in Tennessee
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as an emt in Tennessee typically adds $30,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State EMS Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Nashville pays emts $41,750/yr — +10.9% above the Tennessee average. Simply relocating within Tennessee can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. EMTs who specialise in emergency medical services typically command premium rates in Tennessee. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Kentucky pays emts $36,050/yr — -4.2% vs Tennessee.
Find EMT Jobs in Tennessee
Live ListingsSearch current emt job vacancies in Tennessee:
🔍 EMT jobs in Tennessee — Indeed→ 🔍 EMT jobs in Tennessee — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 EMT jobs — Nashville, TN→