⭐ Bright Outlook

Emergency Medical Technicians

O*NET 29-2042.00 · SOC 29-2042

Projected Growth
+5%
2024–2034
Median Salary
$44k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
21k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

What You'd Actually Do

  • Respond to emergency calls
  • Assess patient conditions on-scene
  • Administer emergency treatments
  • Transport patients to medical facilities
  • Document patient care reports

Education & How to Get In

📋
Job Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

Most Emergency Medical Technicians positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Emergency Medical Technicians? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
Browse courses →
Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
Browse courses →
Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
Browse courses →
LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
Browse courses →

Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.

Work Environment

Primary Setting

People-facing — clinics, schools, or client sites

Work Style

Collaborative — frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Emergency Medical Technicians involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningRespond to emergency calls
MiddayAssess patient conditions on-scene
AfternoonAdminister emergency treatments

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Social (Helpers)5.6
Realistic (Doers)5.5
Investigative (Thinkers)4.6
Conventional (Organizers)3.8
Enterprising (Persuaders)1.6
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as Emergency Medical Technician?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISFJThe ProtectorISTJThe InspectorISTPThe CraftspersonESFJThe Provider

Not sure which you are? Take the free 5-minute quiz →

See Open Emergency Medical Technicians Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

IndeedLinkedIn JobsZipRecruiter

Similar Careers

Dental Hygienists+8%Paramedics+6%Chiropractors+6%Respiratory Therapists+13%Athletic Trainers+14%Nurse Anesthetists+38%Ophthalmic Medical Technicians+6%Radiation Therapists+6%

Explore More Careers

Best Healthcare Careers →Best Technology Careers →Best Trades & Skilled Labor Careers →Browse all careers →

Is Emergency Medical Technicians right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the free quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

Take the assessment →

Free · No account required · 5 minutes