Emergency Medical Technician: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Emergency Medical Technicians earn a national median of $41,340/yr with 5.1% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Medicine and Dentistry, Customer and Personal Service, Public Safety and Security.
Median Salary
$41,340
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
5.1%
About as fast as average
Employed Nationally
177,980
2024 data
Typical Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Emergency Medical Technician
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Emergency Medical Technician candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Emergency Medical Technician performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Emergency Medical Technician roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 5.1% for Emergency Medical Technician roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's about as fast as average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 177,980
- Projected Growth
- 5.1%
- Typical Education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Emergency Medical Technician do?
- Emergency Medical Technicians apply expertise in Medicine and Dentistry, Customer and Personal Service, Public Safety and Security to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include .
- How much does a Emergency Medical Technician make?
- The national median salary for a Emergency Medical Technician is $41,340 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Emergency Medical Technician a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Emergency Medical Technician roles is projected to grow 5.1% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 177,980 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Emergency Medical Technician?
- The typical entry-level education for a Emergency Medical Technician is Postsecondary nondegree award. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Emergency Medical Technicians need?
- The most important skills for Emergency Medical Technician roles based on verified occupational data: . Key tools and technologies include: MEDITECH software.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.