Is EMT a Good Job? Pros and Cons

Q: How much do EMTs make?

The Bureau of Statistics reports that EMTs are paid on average $43,100/year, or $20.72/hour. However, keep in mind that it might be challenging to have a full-time EMT role. There may only be part-time, weekend, or overnight shifts available.

By Athena KanFeb 16, 2024Updated May 20, 2026

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Summary

EMT work is incredibly rewarding and a great way to get a lot of direct healthcare experience, quickly. However, the work doesn't pay well relative to how stressful it is.

Pros:

Short training (accelerated programs can be as short as 2-3 months). See cheapest and fastest EMT programs
Experience a wide variety of healthcare situations, quickly

Cons:

Very stressful
Physically demanding
Irregular hours
Limited career advancement

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What is an EMT?

Emergency Medical Technicians, commonly known as EMTs, are healthcare professionals who respond to emergency calls, assess patients' conditions, and provide necessary medical care. They are often the first on the scene and play a crucial role in stabilizing patients before they can be transported to a hospital. EMTs work in a variety of settings, including ambulances, fire departments, and hospitals.

Pros of being an EMT

Rewarding work: One of the most significant advantages of being an EMT is the satisfaction that comes from helping others in their time of need. Saving lives and providing immediate care to those in emergency situations can be incredibly fulfilling.
Variety in work: EMTs experience a diverse range of cases and emergencies, making each day different from the last. This variety keeps the job interesting and allows EMTs to continuously learn and grow in their skills.
Rapid training: Compared to other healthcare professions, becoming an EMT requires a relatively short training period. Depending on the level of certification, EMT programs can range from a few weeks to several months.
Gateway to other healthcare careers: Many EMTs use their experience as a stepping stone to further their healthcare careers. EMTs often continue their education to become paramedics, nurses, or even doctors.

Cons of being an EMT

Stressful work environment: Being an EMT can be emotionally and mentally challenging. EMTs often witness traumatic events and deal with life-or-death situations. This high-stress environment can take a toll on the mental health of individuals in this profession.
Physical demands: EMTs must be physically fit as the job requires lifting and moving patients, often in challenging environments. The physical demands of the job can lead to fatigue and the risk of injury.
Irregular hours: Emergency medical services operate 24/7, meaning EMTs often work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This can disrupt work-life balance and make it challenging to plan personal commitments.
Limited career advancement: While becoming an EMT can open doors to further healthcare careers, the opportunities for career advancement within the EMT field itself may be limited. Many EMTs choose to advance their education to pursue higher-level positions or specialties.

How to become an EMT

To become an EMT, you must complete several steps:

1. Complete a state-approved EMT training program

EMTs must complete a state-approved training program and pass a certification exam to become licensed. The specific requirements vary from state to state. You can find a list of approved programs on Dreambound.

You can expect to gain solid understanding of basic medical procedures and protocols. This includes knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and emergency medical treatments. You will also learn to think quickly and make critical decisions in high-pressure situations.

2. Obtain your CPR-BLS certification

Typically, this is included with your class or you will be required to take a CPR-BLS class prior to your EMT training program. This usually takes a few hours hours and costs <$50.

3. Pass the EMT exam

You must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive (knowledge) and psychomotor (skills) exams. For the knowledge portion, you can expect 70-120 multiple-choice questions. For the skills portion, you can look up a testing site here.

3. Apply for certification with your local EMS agency

Apply for certification at a local EMS agency. The process is different for every city and state, but in general, you can expect to pay a small fee and undergo a background check. Your EMT training program will help walk you through the process.

Career Outlook for EMTs

The demand for EMTs is expected to grow in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of EMTs is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to an aging population and the need for emergency medical services.

How much do EMTs make?

The Bureau of Statistics reports that EMTs are paid on average $43,100/year, or $20.72/hour. However, keep in mind that it might be challenging to have a full-time EMT role. There may only be part-time, weekend, or overnight shifts available.

Factors to consider before deciding on a career as an EMT

Before embarking on a career as an EMT, it is essential to consider the following factors:

Emotional resilience: The job of an EMT can be emotionally challenging. It is crucial to assess your ability to handle stressful situations and witness traumatic events.
Physical fitness: EMTs must be physically fit to perform the job effectively. Consider your physical capabilities and whether you are prepared for the physical demands of the profession.
Work-life balance: The irregular hours and unpredictable nature of emergency medical services can make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Consider how this may impact your personal life and commitments.
Long-term career goals: If you have aspirations for career advancement within the EMT field, it is essential to research the opportunities and requirements available to you.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an EMT can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for those who are passionate about helping others and thrive in high-pressure situations. However, it is crucial to consider the pros and cons, as well as your own skills and qualifications, before making a decision. If you are interested in pursuing a career as an EMT, consider exploring training programs through platforms like Dreambound. Dreambound is the largest platform for students to find vocational training programs, such as allied health or industrial trades. Their mission is to provide all the information students need to find the perfect class, including EMT training programs.

Dreambound has an extensive collection of guides that dive deep into how to get started in the field, tailored for various states. For more detailed information, we recommend exploring our other guides.

Here are some other career paths to consider if you're not sure EMT is for you:

Is Medical Assistant a Good Job? Pros and Cons: help doctors and nurses with various clinical and administrative tasks. Slower-paced than an EMT job and slightly less clinical, but still get a lot of variety.
Is Paramedic a Good Job? Pros and Cons: more advanced than an EMT, so better paid but more expensive training. Still demanding, fast-paced, and a variety of medical situations.
Is Firefighter a Good Job? Pros and Cons: handle emergency situations and sometimes provide emergency medical care like CPR until paramedics or EMTs arrive.
Is Phlebotomist a Good Job? Pros and Cons: short training that teaches you how to draw blood for the purposes of diagnostics.