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Becoming an EMT: Earnings

Earnings of EMTs and Paramedics depend on the employment setting and geographic location of their jobs, as well as their training and experience. Median hourly wages of EMTs and paramedics were $14.10 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.13 and $18.28.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.08, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $23.77. Median hourly wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of EMTs and paramedics in May 2008 were $12.99 in other ambulatory healthcare services and $15.45 in local government.

In 2008, about 27 percent of EMTs and paramedics belonged to a union or were covered by a union contract.

Those in emergency medical services who are part of fire or police departments typically receive the same benefits as firefighters or police officers. For example, many are covered by pension plans that provide retirement at half pay after 20 or 25 years of service or if the worker is disabled in the line of duty.

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Sources: SimplyHired, Salary.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition

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