Entry-Level Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Moline, IL: $33,404 (2026)
Quick Answer:New emergency medical technicians entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,404 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2042, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,402 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($42,895) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into the role of emergency medical technician (EMT) in Moline, Illinois, can expect a starting emergency medical technician salary Moline of about $33,404, which is below the city median of $42,895. This initial salary reflects the entry-level pay for those just completing their training and entering the workforce. Entry-level EMTs may find themselves on a gradual upward trajectory; as they gain experience, they can anticipate moving into the $36,590 range within a few years and potentially achieving the city median salary as they approach three to five years of experience. Given the current salary expectations, Moline can be seen as a solid market for new graduates, especially as the growth rate for EMT salaries is projected at 5.82% annually.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Entry-level emergency medical technicians in Moline, IL typically start between $33,404 and $36,590 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,500 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $42,895 — 8.85% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average emergency medical services program cost in Illinois of $3,000 represents just 8.98% of the starting emergency medical technician pay ($33,404/year) in Moline. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CoAEMSP-recognized EMT certificate programs and state EMS office training data. Program length follows National EMS Education Standards (minimum ~150 hours). Tuition-only averages; state-subsidized programs through fire/EMS agencies may be lower.
EMT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level emergency medical technician pay ranges from $33,404 to $36,590, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the emergency medical services field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moline, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Emergency Medical Technician Compensation Range
The emergency medical technician wage spread in Moline is $23,500 ( 70.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,404, experienced hygienists can earn up to $56,904.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$21,846
2025 BLS Actual
$31,567
2026 Current Est.
$33,404
2021–2027 Growth
+61.8%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Moline (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,846 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,147 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,664 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,033 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,567 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,404 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,348 | Projected |
Entry-level emergency medical technician compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 44.5% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,846 in 2021 to $31,567 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,348. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.82% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your emergency medical services Career in Moline
New EMTs in Moline have several employment opportunities to explore, particularly with private ambulance companies like AMR and GMR, which commonly hire fresh graduates and offer essential on-the-job training. Municipal fire departments also represent a promising avenue, as they often recruit cross-trained firefighter-EMTs through structured fire academy programs, leading to more lucrative compensation packages compared to private ambulance work. To enhance their starting pay and career prospects, new grads should pursue required credentials such as the NREMT national registration and state certification, alongside optional credentials like advanced EMT or tactical EMT training. The disparity in pay between private ambulance work and positions within fire departments underscores the importance of strategic career choices; EMTs working in fire services can expect significantly higher earnings which may double or triple their initial compensation in the private sector. A focused approach in these early years, coupled with continued education and experience, can lead to realistic salary growth, making the EMT pathway a viable long-term career in Moline.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for emergency medical technicians in Moline in 2026?
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Is emergency medical services school worth it in Moline?
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Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new emergency medical services graduates. A 5.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for emergency medical technicians (SOC 29-2042).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov