Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Aurora, IL: $20.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Aurora, IL runs $20.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,917 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,752 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Illinois, emergency medical technicians earn a median hourly pay of $20.63, which is slightly below the national median of $22.62. This rate provides a living wage for those working part-time or per-diem in various settings, including ambulance services, fire department medical bays, and event medical tents. For part-time workers, typically logging three days a week, this means they can expect about $25,000 annually if working around 24 hours weekly. For those at the lower end of the pay scale, entry-level positions start at approximately $15.68 per hour, while experienced EMTs can earn up to $29.21 as they climb towards the higher tiers of the salary range. These figures, derived from annual salary data projections, indicate a significant potential for those considering a career in this field.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.68 | $125.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.96 | $135.70 |
| Median (P50) | $20.63 | $165.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.34 | $186.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.21 | $233.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $20.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.63/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, IL can expect to earn approximately $42,921 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,762. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $825.40 | $3,577 | $42,921 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $495.24 | $2,146 | $25,752 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $330.16 | $1,431 | $17,168 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Aurora) | $20.63 |
| Paramedic (National Avg) | $27.18 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.62 |
| Firefighter (National Avg) | $26.89 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.25 |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Aurora, IL earn a median of $42,917 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.80% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 1.20% below the Illinois state average of $43,439.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.63/hr = $25,752/year (purchasing power: $26,521).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,921/year (purchasing power: $44,202).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$15.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.63/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Aurora (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Aurora grew 25.4% from $15.55/hr (2021) to $19.50/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.84/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem emergency medical technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Working as an Hourly Emergency Medical Technician in Aurora
Considering the earning potential for emergency medical technicians in Aurora reveals interesting dynamics. For instance, an EMT working part-time for 24 hours a week could take home about $25,000 annually, which is far less than what full-time EMTs make, prompting some to seek per-diem opportunities that often command higher rates—typically between $20 and $32 per hour at private companies. Notably, oil-field medics, who work in remote conditions, may earn rates between $40-$70 per hour, significantly elevating their earnings potential. Various employers, including private ambulance services like AMR and municipal fire departments, offer differing pay structures due to various funding sources. While some may accept lower hourly wages for the benefits of full-time positions, others chase higher per-hour pay without the security of health insurance. For those negotiating hourly rates in Aurora, understanding the specific demands and compensation structures of different roles can be advantageous in seeking the best fit for both income and lifestyle.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for emergency medical technicians in Aurora. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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