What does an emt and paramedic do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
EMTs and paramedics assess injuries and illnesses, give emergency medical care and may transport patients to medical facilities. All states require a license. BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as typical education and a median pay of $48,150 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 29-2040 |
| O*NET code | 29-2042.00, 29-2043.00 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Median annual wage | $48,150 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 6 percent (faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 284,100 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does an emt and paramedic do?
BLS says EMTs and paramedics assess injuries and illnesses, provide emergency medical care and may transport patients to medical facilities. Duties include responding to emergency calls, assessing patients, providing first aid or life support, transporting patients to hospitals, documenting care, and restocking and cleaning equipment.
Work environment
Most work full time, often with nights, weekends, holidays and extended shifts. BLS says the work is physically demanding and stressful, and EMTs and paramedics have one of the highest injury and illness rates of all occupations. Ambulance services employ 46 percent of EMTs, and local government employs 24 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says EMT programs usually take under 1 year (EMT-Basic) or up to 2 years (EMT-Intermediate). Paramedic programs require EMT-Intermediate certification and usually lead to a nondegree award or an associate's degree. All states require a license, with requirements that vary by state, and employers typically require a driver's license.
Skills that matter
BLS lists communication, compassion, interpersonal skills, physical strength and problem-solving as important qualities for this work.
How much does an emt and paramedic make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $48,150 for EMTs and paramedics (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of EMTs and paramedics to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 18,200 openings are projected each year on average.
How to get hired
- Look up your state emergency medical services office for licensing steps.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Firefighters, Police officers, Registered nurses, Medical assistants, Physician assistants.
Frequently asked questions
Do EMTs and paramedics need a license? BLS says all states require a license, with requirements that vary by state. Most require certification, and employers typically require a driver's license.
Do paramedics have to be EMTs first? BLS says paramedic programs require EMT-Intermediate certification, and paramedics typically need EMT experience first.
How much do EMTs and paramedics make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $48,150 for EMTs and paramedics (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is emt and paramedic a good career? BLS projects 6 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (faster than average). About 18,200 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Firefighter Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
- What Does a Police Officer Do? Pay and Requirements
- What Does a Registered Nurse Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Medical Assistant Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, EMTs and paramedics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/emts-and-paramedics.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 29-2042.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2042.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 29-2043.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2043.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.