Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics typically complete a postsecondary educational program. All states require EMTs and paramedics to be licensed in the state in which they work; requirements vary by state. PayThe median annual wage for emergency medical technicians was $44,470 in May 2025.The median annual wage for paramedics was $60,600 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 18,200 openings for EMTs and paramedics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for EMTs and paramedics. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of EMTs and paramedics with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about EMTs and paramedics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Explore shorter-term education and training pathways that may prepare you for this type of work.
Pay
The median annual wage for emergency medical technicians was $44,470 in May 2025.The median annual wage for paramedics was $60,600 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 18,200 openings for EMTs and paramedics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for EMTs and paramedics. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of EMTs and paramedics with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about EMTs and paramedics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 18,200 openings for EMTs and paramedics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for EMTs and paramedics. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of EMTs and paramedics with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about EMTs and paramedics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics assess injuries and illnesses, provide emergency medical care, and may transport patients to medical facilities.
Work Environment
Most EMTs and paramedics work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Schedules may vary to include nights, weekends, and holidays. Their work may be physically strenuous and stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations.
How to Become an EMT or Paramedic
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics typically complete a postsecondary educational program. All states require EMTs and paramedics to be licensed in the state in which they work; requirements vary by state.
Pay
The median annual wage for emergency medical technicians was $44,470 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for paramedics was $60,600 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 18,200 openings for EMTs and paramedics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for EMTs and paramedics.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of EMTs and paramedics with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about EMTs and paramedics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most EMTs and paramedics work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Schedules may vary to include nights, weekends, and holidays. Their work may be physically strenuous and stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations.
How to Become an EMT or Paramedic
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics typically complete a postsecondary educational program. All states require EMTs and paramedics to be licensed in the state in which they work; requirements vary by state.
Pay
The median annual wage for emergency medical technicians was $44,470 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for paramedics was $60,600 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 18,200 openings for EMTs and paramedics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for EMTs and paramedics.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of EMTs and paramedics with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about EMTs and paramedics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for EMTs and paramedics.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of EMTs and paramedics with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about EMTs and paramedics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about EMTs and paramedics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.