EMT salary in Illinois
A strong career option in Illinois — with programs that take 1 to 6 months to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$42,260/ yr
$3,522 / mo · $20.32 / hr
↓ $2,210 below the national median ($44,470)
Pay by experience
Entry
$36,421
Median
$42,260
Experienced
$135,491
Demand
Moderate
Program length
1 to 6 months
Projected growth
+5.1%
Annual openings
14,100
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How Illinois compares to the national wage trend
Illinois median
$42,260
2025 national
$44,470
2024 national
$41,340
↑ +7.6% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+5.1% projected growth through 2034
14,100 average annual openings nationwide for Emergency Medical Technicians.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$7,708
- Time to complete1 to 6 months
- Credential earnedProfessional Certification / Diploma
What you get back
- Starting salary$36,421
- Median salary$42,260
- Experienced salary$135,491
At an entry wage of $36,421, most Emergency Medical Technicians break even on the $7,708 training investment in about 3 months of work.
How to become an Emergency Medical Technician in Illinois
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find an EMT program in Illinois
Browse certified training programs. Most EMT tracks complete in 1 to 6 months and average $7,708 in tuition.
Earn your Professional Certification / Diploma
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Professional Certification / Diploma in Illinois.
Get hired in Illinois
With roughly 14,100 EMT openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Illinois.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for an Emergency Medical Technician in Illinois is $42,260 per year, which is $20.32 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $36,421 while experienced Emergency Medical Technicians can earn up to $135,491 annually.
Next step
Find EMT Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited EMT classes in your area.