FAQ
Ambulance Driver FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an ambulance driver.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an ambulance driver: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about ambulance drivers
Is an ambulance driver the same as an EMT?
No, EMTs provide medical care; drivers transport.
Do I need a degree?
No.
Can I become an EMT?
Yes, many do.
How much does an ambulance driver make?
The median annual wage for ambulance drivers was $35,450 ($17.04 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $27,350 and the highest 10% earned more than $45,960.
How long does it take to become an ambulance driver?
Most people need about A few weeks of training of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be an ambulance driver?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is ambulance driver a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -1.3% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 1,400 openings each year. Upsides include help patients; a common challenge is that lifting patients.
What skills does an ambulance driver need?
Key technical skills include safe driving, patient lifting, wheelchair securement, and infection control. Employers also value compassion, calm, and reliability.
What certifications are available for ambulance drivers?
Common credentials include EVOC, CPR, EMT certification, and Clean driving record. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Ambulance Driver fit quiz, compare with Emergency Medical Technician, or explore Ambulance Driver training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-3011 (Ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.