Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in DeKalb, IL: $20.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in DeKalb, IL runs $20.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,821 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against DeKalb's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,092 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeKalb, Illinois, the emergency medical technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $20.11 in 2026, while the national hourly median stands at $22.62. This discrepancy highlights the unique local market dynamics that impact pay rates for EMTs working in various settings such as ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, and at event venues. For part-time EMTs working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to significant earnings; they can expect to make around $32,333 annually working 24 hours each week. Entry-level technicians may earn around $16.55 per hour, while those at the higher end of the spectrum can make up to $28.33 per hour, depending on their experience and the specific demands of their roles.
About the DeKalb 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) | $16.55 | $132.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.75 | $141.97 |
| Median (P50) | $20.11 | $160.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.77 | $174.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.33 | $226.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeKalb
Based on $20.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.11/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeKalb, IL can expect to earn approximately $41,820 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,127. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeKalb.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeKalb
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $804.23 | $3,485 | $41,820 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $482.54 | $2,091 | $25,092 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $321.69 | $1,394 | $16,728 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (DeKalb) | $20.11 |
| 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 DeKalb, IL earn a median of $41,821 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.13% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $43,473.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.11/hr = $25,092/year (purchasing power: $25,841).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,820/year (purchasing power: $43,069).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$15.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.11/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in DeKalb (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in DeKalb grew 25.4% from $15.15/hr (2021) to $19.00/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.28/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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb
When considering per-diem opportunities, emergency medical technicians in DeKalb have the potential to enhance their earnings significantly. For instance, per diem emergency medical technician pay in the area can vary widely; event EMTs might bill between $20 to $32 per hour, while oil-field medics can command rates ranging from $40 to $70 per hour, particularly during 14/14 rotations. Employers differ substantially in their pay structures, with private ambulance companies often paying less than municipal fire departments where salaries may be bolstered by union contracts. This pay gap can motivate some EMTs to accept lower hourly rates from private companies for benefits like health insurance. As contract negotiations arise, EMTs should evaluate their current pay versus the benefits offered and make informed decisions about their employment, taking into account the disparities across various employers in DeKalb and the surrounding regions.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in DeKalb in 2026?
How much do part-time emergency medical technicians make in DeKalb?
Are emergency medical technicians in DeKalb paid hourly or salary?
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Do emergency medical technicians earn more per hour working part-time in DeKalb?
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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 DeKalb. 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 DeKalb 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