Healthcare Support
Emergency Medical Technician
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are calm, quick-thinking, and caring people who enjoy helping others in urgent situations. This role suits responsible individuals who stay cool under pressure, work well in teams, and want to make a direct difference in people’s lives. You should be physically fit and reliable. It’s a rewarding path for job seekers seeking meaningful, stable healthcare work with strong community impact.
Median wage
$21.38/hr
Physical demands
high
Drug test
Yes
National wages & job outlook
National figures for Emergency Medical Technicians, shown as published by the source below.
Entry (10th–25th pct)
$16.41–$18.25/hr
Median
$21.38/hr
Experienced (75th–90th pct)
$24.09–$30.05/hr
Projected openings / year
14,100
+5% growth, 2024–2034
Wage data: 2025. National figures; local pay varies.
Source: CareerOneStop (careeronestop.org), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration (DOLETA), and the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED).
Starting requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Good physical fitness and stamina
- Clean background check and valid driver’s license
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Willingness to complete certification training
Training structure
EMT training usually takes 3 to 6 months at a community college, trade school, or fire academy. Programs combine classroom learning, skills labs, and real-world clinical experience. You study emergency care, patient assessment, and life-saving techniques, then pass a state or national certification exam.
Top credentials
- NREMT Certification
- State EMT License
- BLS / CPR
- Advanced EMT
Licenses & certifications
Licenses are state-specific and certifications vary by specialty. Look up the exact ones for this path in your state.
Open the license & certification finderAdvancement path
Entry: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic)
Mid-Level: Advanced EMT or paramedic with further training
Advanced: Supervisor, flight medic, emergency department technician, or roles in training/management
Additional certifications open doors to higher pay and specialized opportunities.
Typical employers
Ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, event medical providers
A day in the life
Your shift starts with checking equipment on the ambulance. You respond to 911 calls, provide emergency care, stabilize patients, and transport them to hospitals. You work closely with paramedics and firefighters. The work is fast-paced, varied, and gives you the pride of helping people during their most critical moments.