Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Plainfield, IL: $20.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Plainfield, IL runs $20.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,023 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,211 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plainfield, IL, the projected hourly pay for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in 2026 stands at $20.20, which is notably below the national hourly median of $22.62. This pay structure allows for considerable variance within the profession; entry-level EMTs might earn as little as $16.71, whereas more experienced practitioners can command upwards of $27.95 per hour. For those considering part-time work, such as a typical three-day workweek, this hourly rate translates to a base income that can support various lifestyle choices. Per-diem roles are also viable, with EMTs commonly working in diverse environments—ranging from ambulance services and hospital emergency departments to event medical tents and oil-field sites—where the pay can fluctuate based on the setting.
About the Plainfield 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) | $16.71 | $133.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.95 | $143.58 |
| Median (P50) | $20.20 | $161.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.75 | $182.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.95 | $223.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $20.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.20/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $42,018 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,241. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $808.04 | $3,502 | $42,018 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $484.82 | $2,101 | $25,211 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $323.22 | $1,401 | $16,807 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Plainfield) | $20.20 |
| 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 Plainfield, IL earn a median of $42,023 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.70% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $43,457.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.20/hr = $25,211/year (purchasing power: $25,964).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,018/year (purchasing power: $43,273).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$15.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.20/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Plainfield (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Plainfield grew 25.4% from $15.23/hr (2021) to $19.09/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.38/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
When assessing the financial potential of part-time EMTs in Plainfield, working 24 hours a week yields an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts. While a full-time EMT would command more stability and benefits, many part-timers find that per-diem work at private companies can yield rates between $20 to $32 per hour. Unique positions, such as oil-field medics on a 14/14 rotation, can offer lucrative pay between $40 and $70 per hour, though these jobs often entail greater risks and demanding environments. Additionally, treatment of hourly pay disparities varies widely across employer types in the area. For example, municipal fire department EMTs typically benefit from union negotiations that yield higher pay compared to private ambulance services. Those in the profession should consider the trade-offs between higher hourly rates with no benefits and lower rates that provide health coverage. For EMTs navigating these choices, having a clear understanding of the local pay structures can enhance their negotiating power and overall job satisfaction.
More salary data for Plainfield, 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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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