EMS salaries aren’t set in stone. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median emergency medical services salary was $34,320 per year, or about $16.50 per hour in 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,760, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $58,640.

Is EMS a good career?

Becoming an EMT or Paramedic is a strong career choice. EMS is a growing field and jobs are plentiful across the country. Furthermore, you help people every single day and there are plenty of opportunities to grow within the field. For example, some EMTs may choose to advance their skillsets to become a Paramedic.

Where do EMS get paid the most?

The states and districts that pay Paramedics the highest mean salary are Hawaii ($56,610), Washington ($56,140), Maryland ($50,750), Alaska ($50,640), and District of Columbia ($47,830).

Why does EMS get paid so little?

There are other reasons EMS pay is so low. Certification is minimal — it only takes 120 to 150 hours of training to become an EMT (paramedics require significantly more). Ambulances in rural communities are often staffed by volunteers, which depresses wages for those who do pursue the role as a career.

Which is better EMT or EMS?

EMS describes the entire network of emergency medical service personnel that ensures a swift response to medical emergencies. An emergency medical technician, or EMT, is one component in this network. As an EMT, you are the first one to respond to a call for help.

How much money does an EMT make a year?

10% of EMTs took home an annual salary less than $21,240 and hourly wages less than $10.21 whereas the remaining 90% of EMTs were paid an annual salary more than $21,240 and hourly wages more than $10.21. 25% of Emergency Medical Technicians earned an average yearly and hourly wage less than $25,850 and $12.43, respectively.

How much overtime does an emergency medical technician make?

You can do overtime to earn extra income. As per a report, one out of every three EMTs did overtime in the year 2014 and earned 1.5 times their usual 40 hours salary. 2. Complete Higher Education and Certification

What are the benefits of being an EMT?

An EMT career in a very rewarding choice. A benefit of the position is that they have a vital role in helping people to stay alive in the midst of a medical emergency. Beyond this, EMTs who work could get benefits like life and retirement in addition to health care.

Is there a job for an EMT in Washington State?

Significantly, Washington has a very active EMT job market as there are several companies currently hiring for this type of role. With only a handful of states paying above the national average, the opportunities for economic advancement by moving to a new locationas an EMT is a decision to make with some caution.