EMT: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What You’ll Learn About EMTs

What Does an EMT Do?
Key Duties & Responsibilities
How to Become an EMT
EMT Salary Guide
How to Advance Your Career
Typical Work Environment

What Does an EMT do?

An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) provides emergency medical services in pre-hospital settings, responding to medical incidents and trauma situations. EMTs assess patients' conditions, administer emergency medical care, and transport patients to medical facilities. They are trained to respond quickly to emergency situations regarding medical issues, traumatic injuries, and accident scenes. EMTs are vital members of the emergency response team, working closely with firefighters, police, and hospital staff to ensure comprehensive care and support for patients in critical conditions. Their quick decision-making and competent care can often mean the difference between life and death.

EMTs operate under strict protocols and guidelines to stabilize patients until they can be delivered to a hospital for further medical treatment.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

EMTs in the Healthcare field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

Respond to 911 calls for emergency medical assistance, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or bandaging a wound.
Assess a patient’s condition and determine a course of treatment.
Provide first-aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured patients.
Transport patients safely in an ambulance.
Transfer patients to the emergency units of the hospital with the utmost care and efficiency.
Prepare reports and keep records of the patients’ conditions and treatment.
Operate and maintain emergency care equipment, such as backboards, suction devices, splints, oxygen delivery systems, and stretchers.
Communicate with hospital personnel about the patients' conditions and treatment.

How to Become an EMT

Launching a career as an EMT requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

Completion of a postsecondary educational program in emergency medical technology.
State certification as an EMT, which typically includes completing a course, passing a national or state exam, and obtaining a CPR certification.
Strong physical stamina and agility to handle the demands of the job.
Good vision and hearing to assess situations and patients effectively.
Ability to remain calm and efficient under extreme pressure.

Requirements & Skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients and their families.
Strong problem-solving skills to evaluate patients and administer the appropriate emergency care.
Attention to detail for accurately documenting medical information.
Physical strength and stamina required to lift and transport patients.
Emotional resilience and the ability to manage stress effectively.

EMT Salary Guide

Wondering what EMTs earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

Job	Branch	Avg. US Salary
EMT	Healthcare	38,460 USD

The average salary for an EMT in the U.S. is approximately $38,460 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. EMTs may receive a wide range of benefits.

EMT Salary Career Steps

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$48,075
Senior	11+ years	$42,306
Experienced	6-10 years	$38,460
Mid Level	3-5 years	$34,614
Entry Level	0-2 years	$28,845

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the EMT Salary Country Overview.

How to Advance Your Career

EMTs can advance their careers by obtaining higher-level certifications, such as Advanced EMT or Paramedic. With additional education and experience, they may move into roles such as supervisor, operations manager, or into specialized fields like tactical emergency medicine. Some EMTs transition into related healthcare roles, such as nursing or physician assistant, with further education.

Typical Work Environment

EMTs typically work in ambulances, hospitals, and fire stations. They are often required to work in shifts that cover all hours of the day and night, including weekends and holidays. The job is physically demanding and can be stressful, given the high stakes and frequent exposure to suffering and life-threatening situations. However, it can also be incredibly rewarding, providing essential help in moments of critical need.