Emergency Medical Technicians

Earnings of EMTs depend on the type of employer and individual level of training and experience. Those working in the public sector, for police and fire departments, usually receive a higher wage than those in the private sector, working for ambulance companies and hospitals. Salary levels typically rise with increasing levels of skill, training, and certification.

Median annual earnings of EMTs and paramedics were $44,780 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Salaries ranged from less than $29,910 for the lowest 10 percent to more than $79,430 for the highest 10 percent. The highest paid paramedics on average work for state governments, where the mean annual salary was $75,010.

Benefits vary widely depending on the employer but generally include paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and pension plans.