Imaging, surgical & emergency
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
EMTs assess injuries and illnesses, give emergency care and may transport patients.
U.S. median pay
$21.38/hr
$44,470/yr
Projected growth
+5.8%
2025–35
Openings per year
13,800
average, 2025–35
Typical education
Postsecondary nondegree award
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
U.S. median hourly pay · BLS May 2025
$21.38
an hour · $44,470 a year
- 10th
- $16.41
- 25th
- $18.25
- Median
- $21.38
- 75th
- $24.09
- 90th
- $30.05
Hourly pay range: 10th percentile $16.41/hr, median $21.38/hr, 90th percentile $30.05/hr.
Education, licensing and how to get started
The Occupational Outlook Handbook explains the training, licensing and certification for this role. BLS: How to become one
Sources
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 (SOC 29-2042), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Employment Projections, 2025–35, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Checked against these sources on Oct 1, 2026.