Firefighter
Respond to fires, medical emergencies, rescues and hazmat incidents.
- $59,280
- 6–12 months (EMT + academy)
Healthcare career
Emergency Medical Technician
Also called: EMT · EMT-Basic · Ambulance EMT · Emergency Medical Responder
What emergency medical technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an emergency medical technician do?
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) respond to 911 calls and emergencies, assess patients, provide basic life support such as CPR, bleeding control and oxygen, and safely transport patients to the hospital. The median pay is $44,470 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–6 months, and employment is projected to grow +5.8% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$44,470$21.38/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+5.8%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year13,800Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationPostsecondary nondegree awardBLS classification
- Time to train1–6 monthsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs181,900Employment, 2025
What emergency medical technicians do
EMTs are often the first medical professionals to reach a patient. They size up the scene for safety, assess airway, breathing and circulation, control bleeding, give oxygen, use automated external defibrillators (AEDs), immobilize injuries and assist with certain medications, then transport the patient while monitoring and reporting to the receiving hospital.
The EMT course is relatively short, typically one to six months, and leads to certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) and a state license. Many EMTs go on to become paramedics, firefighters, nurses or physician assistants.
Typical duties
- Respond to 911 calls and assess scene safety
- Perform patient assessments and take vital signs
- Provide CPR, AED use, oxygen therapy and airway management
- Control bleeding, bandage wounds and splint fractures
- Assist patients with certain medications within EMT scope
- Safely lift, move and transport patients
- Document care in a patient care report and hand off to hospital staff
Work environment and schedule
EMTs work for private ambulance companies, fire departments, hospitals and government agencies. Work happens in ambulances, homes, roadsides and public places in all weather. The job involves heavy lifting, kneeling and exposure to infectious disease and traumatic scenes.
Schedule: Shifts vary widely: 8, 12 or 24 hours, including nights, weekends and holidays. Many fire-based EMS agencies use 24-on/48-off schedules.
A day in the life
- Start a 24-hour shift: check the ambulance, oxygen levels, AED, suction and every compartment against the inventory list.
- Respond to an older adult who fell at home; assess for injuries, take vitals and transport for evaluation.
- Clean and restock the ambulance and complete the patient care report.
- Respond to a motor-vehicle crash: triage two patients, apply a tourniquet and assist the paramedic.
See a full day in the life of an emergency medical technician →
Emergency Medical Technician salary
Half of emergency medical technicians earned more than $44,470 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $34,130 for the lowest 10% to $62,500 for the top 10%.
Full emergency medical technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an emergency medical technician
- Meet basic requirements
- Get CPR certified
- Complete a state-approved EMT course
- Pass the NREMT exams and get licensed
- Start working and keep climbing
You need a high school diploma or GED, a current CPR/BLS card and completion of a state-approved EMT course (often around 150–200 hours). After the course you pass the NREMT cognitive exam and a psychomotor skills exam, then apply for a state license.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an emergency medical technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Patient assessment
- CPR and AED use
- Airway management and oxygen therapy
- Bleeding control and splinting
- Safe lifting and patient movement
People skills
- Calm under pressure
- Clear, reassuring communication
- Teamwork
- Quick decision-making
All emergency medical technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Short training: start working in months
- Exciting, meaningful work every shift
- Excellent foundation for paramedic, nursing, fire or PA careers
- Strong teamwork culture
Cons
- Entry-level pay is modest
- Physically demanding with injury risk
- Exposure to trauma, violence and stressful scenes
- Long and irregular shifts
Certifications and licenses
- NREMT EMT certification: National certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, used for licensing in most states.
- State EMT license: Required to practice; issued by your state EMS office.
- BLS for Healthcare Providers: CPR certification required before and during EMT practice.
- Advanced EMT and Paramedic: Higher levels of certification with broader skills such as IV therapy and cardiac monitoring.
Career path
- EMT: Provide basic life support and transport.
- Advanced EMT: Add IV access and additional medications.
- Paramedic: Provide advanced life support and lead calls.
- Flight Medic, Supervisor, Firefighter or Nurse: Specialize, lead or move into related careers.
Learn the job before day one
Our Emergency Medical Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as perform a primary assessment on a trauma patient and use an AED during CPR, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: EMT vs. Firefighter · EMT vs. RN · EMT vs. Phlebotomist · EMT vs. Police Officer
Emergency Medical Technician FAQ
How long is EMT training?
Most EMT courses take one to six months depending on the schedule, typically totaling around 150 to 200 hours of classroom, lab and clinical experience.
What’s the difference between an EMT and a paramedic?
Paramedics complete much longer training (often 1,200 to 1,800 hours) and can perform advanced skills such as IV therapy, cardiac monitoring, advanced airways and giving many more medications.
Do EMTs need to be physically fit?
Yes. EMTs lift and carry patients and equipment, often in difficult conditions, so strength, stamina and good body mechanics matter.
How much does an emergency medical technician make?
The median annual wage for emergency medical technicians was $44,470 ($21.38 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,130 and the highest 10% earned more than $62,500.
How long does it take to become an emergency medical technician?
Most people need about 1–6 months of training. You need a high school diploma or GED, a current CPR/BLS card and completion of a state-approved EMT course (often around 150–200 hours). After the course you pass the NREMT cognitive exam and a psychomotor skills exam, then apply for a state license.
Do you need a degree to be an emergency medical technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.
More emergency medical technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-2042 (Emergency medical technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for 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.