Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
Emergency Medical Technicians
SOC: 29-2042 O*NET: 29-2042.00
Median Salary
$41,340
per year
Job Growth
📈 5.1%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
14.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
What does a Emergency Medical Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$31,410
10th percentile
Early Career
$36,730
25th percentile
Median
$41,340
50th percentile
Experienced
$48,160
75th percentile
Top Earners
$60,780
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$31,410
25th
$36,730
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$41,340
Mean: $44,790
75th
$48,160
90th
$60,780
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $29,370 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $36,730 and $48,160
- •Salary spread is 27.6% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 177,980 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:181,000
Top Industries
Ambulatory Health Care Services49.3%
Other Ambulatory Health Care Services45.8%
Ambulance Services45.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+5.1%
Annual Openings:14,100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)181,000
Current
2034 (Projected)190,200
+5.1%
+9,200
Employment Change
+5.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Emergency Medical Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
19,020 jobs$45,6800.91x
New York
14,350 jobs$46,0001.30x
Texas
13,550 jobs$37,0000.85x
Pennsylvania
9,810 jobs$38,5801.41x
Illinois
8,480 jobs$40,7801.21x
North Carolina
7,540 jobs$40,5301.33x
Florida
6,770 jobs$40,4200.60x
Georgia
5,740 jobs$39,2501.02x
New Jersey
5,630 jobs$49,5001.15x
Ohio
5,190 jobs$38,1400.81x
Massachusetts
4,270 jobs$45,9701.02x
South Carolina
4,270 jobs$38,6701.63x
Michigan
4,160 jobs$38,8900.82x
Wisconsin
4,000 jobs$43,3401.19x
Virginia
3,780 jobs$45,0600.81x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Emergency Medical Technicians
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
MEDITECH software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
MEDITECH software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
12
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
0
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (4)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Planning & Development (1)Communication & Coordination (2)Training & Development (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Administer first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital settings.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation97% perform98%
3
Attend training classes to maintain certification licensure, keep abreast of new developments in the field, or maintain existing knowledge.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Comfort and reassure patients.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Communicate with dispatchers or treatment center personnel to provide information about situation, to arrange reception of survivors, or to receive instructions for further treatment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination88% perform92%
6
Coordinate work with other emergency medical team members or police or fire department personnel.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination85% perform90%
7
Decontaminate ambulance interior following treatment of patient with infectious disease, and report case to proper authorities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Drive mobile intensive care unit to specified location, following instructions from emergency medical dispatcher.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development79% perform86%
9
Immobilize patient for placement on stretcher and ambulance transport, using backboard or other spinal immobilization device.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Maintain vehicles and medical and communication equipment, and replenish first aid equipment and supplies.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •58% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Emergency Medical Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Emergency Medical Technicians professionals typically have a SRI Holland code
SSocial
RRealistic
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Emergency Medical Technicians
Complete Work Styles Profile
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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