Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Gurnee, IL: $20.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Gurnee, IL runs $20.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,830 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Gurnee's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,700 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gurnee, Illinois, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) earn a median hourly rate of $20.59, which is noticeably below the national median of $22.62. This disparity highlights how local compensation can fluctuate based on regional economic factors. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, this translates into approximately $1,230 monthly or about $14,760 annually, a figure that may not fully support the cost of living. Moreover, per-diem EMTs typically work in varied settings such as ambulance services, fire departments, or during events, allowing them to take on additional shifts as needed. The hourly range for EMTs in Gurnee varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $16.06, while experienced technicians can earn up to $27.25 per hour in high-demand environments.
About the Gurnee 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) | $16.06 | $128.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.52 | $140.19 |
| Median (P50) | $20.59 | $164.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.43 | $179.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.25 | $217.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gurnee
Based on $20.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.59/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gurnee, IL can expect to earn approximately $42,833 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,711. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gurnee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gurnee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $823.70 | $3,569 | $42,833 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $494.22 | $2,142 | $25,700 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $329.48 | $1,428 | $17,133 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Gurnee) | $20.59 |
| 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 Gurnee, IL earn a median of $42,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.98% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 1.50% below the Illinois state average of $43,482.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.59/hr = $25,700/year (purchasing power: $26,467).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,833/year (purchasing power: $44,112).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$15.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.59/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Gurnee (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Gurnee grew 25.4% from $15.52/hr (2021) to $19.46/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.79/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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee
Turning to the broader context of per-diem and contract work, which is increasingly popular among EMTs, such arrangements can shift earning potential drastically. For instance, many agency or event-based EMTs bill between $20 and $32 per hour, while oil-field medics in remote areas can command rates from $40 to $70 per hour depending on the location and work conditions. The Gurnee market features diverse employment options, including private ambulance companies, municipal fire departments, and hospital systems, each presenting distinct pay scales. While fire department EMTs may receive better compensation due to union agreements, contingency plans for hourly rates should reflect benefits, such as health insurance packages that often accompany lower pay in public service roles. Negotiation strategies in Gurnee should consider both hourly pay rates and the importance of benefits for overall job satisfaction and fiscal stability. Understanding the local job market dynamics is essential for aspiring EMTs looking to maximize earnings while also planning for career advancement, including pathways to paramedic certifications.
More salary data for Gurnee, 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 Gurnee. 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 Gurnee 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