What Emergency Medical Technicians do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Emergency Medical Technicians this way: "Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities."
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is postsecondary nondegree award.
Job outlook for Emergency Medical Technicians
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 181,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 192,500 in 2035, an increase of 10,600 jobs (+5.8%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 13,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $44,470, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Emergency Medical Technicians earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $51,250 in New York to $51,782 in New Jersey, a gap of $532 (1.01 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $44,470 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 20,080, which is 51.8% of the 38,790 counted across them. New York follows with 18,710.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($51,782) and New York ($51,250) lead the ranking, while New York ($51,250) and New Jersey ($51,782) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Emergency Medical Technicians
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (29-2000) include Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
Frequently asked questions about Emergency Medical Technicians
How much do Emergency Medical Technicians earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $44,470. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $51,250 to $51,782.
Which state pays Emergency Medical Technicians the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $51,782. New York is next at $51,250.
Is Emergency Medical Technicians a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 5.8% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 13,800 openings a year.
What education do Emergency Medical Technicians need?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award, according to BLS.