Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Hoffman Estates, IL: $43,299 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Hoffman Estates, IL earns a median $43,299/year (≈ $20.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Hoffman Estates's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $44,592 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hoffman Estates, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in 2026 is set at $43,299, which positions local pay approximately 7.99% lower than the national median of $47,058. This salary estimation encompasses a wide range of earnings, from an entry-level figure of $32,098 at the 10th percentile to a maximum of $59,813 for those at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differences, and illustrate a market where fire department salaries generally overshadow those of private ambulance companies. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for current and aspiring EMTs in Hoffman Estates to assess their career trajectory and potential earnings.
About the Hoffman Estates Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,098 | $15.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,786 | $17.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,299 | $20.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,347 | $23.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,813 | $28.75 |
Median Salary Position
7.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hoffman Estates
In Hoffman Estates, IL, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,715 (2026 est.). At $43,299, the local median is 7.99% below the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hoffman Estates: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hoffman Estates Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Hoffman Estates median: $43,299/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hoffman Estates Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,473 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | -7.99% less |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Hoffman Estates, IL earn a median of $43,299 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.99% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 0.40% below the Illinois state average of $43,473.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hoffman Estates has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hoffman Estates, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A emergency medical technician earning $43,299 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,592 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$32,637
2025 BLS Actual
$40,918
2026 Current Est.
$43,299
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Hoffman Estates (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $32,637 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,821 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,631 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,918 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,299 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,819 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hoffman Estates metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $32,637 (2021) to $40,918 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,819 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,182 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hoffman Estates 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $32,098 – $35,786 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,786 – $43,299 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,299 – $48,347 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,347 – $59,813 |
EMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual emergency medical technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Emergency Medical Technician Job Market in Hoffman Estates
A total of eight emergency medical technicians are employed in Hoffman Estates, suggesting a tight-knit local job market with limited entry opportunities. The cost-of-living index sits at 97.1, indicating that everyday expenses are slightly below the national average, which allows for a somewhat favorable purchasing power despite lower wages. Within the area, fire department positions typically offer the highest salaries due to union agreements, compared to private ambulance services like AMR and GMR, where pay tends to trail. Factors such as employer type, shift differentials, and overtime significantly influence earnings. EMTs aiming to increase their pay should consider cross-training as firefighters or pursuing the EMT-to-paramedic pathway, as these options can lead to enhanced earnings and benefits within the Hoffman Estates job market. Moreover, strategic choices about employer selection can also make a substantial difference in overall compensation.
More salary data for Hoffman Estates, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do emergency medical technicians make in Hoffman Estates, IL in 2026?
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Can emergency medical technicians make $100K in Hoffman Estates?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted emergency medical technician salary in Hoffman Estates?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $40,918 for emergency medical techniciansin the Hoffman Estates metropolitan area. A 5.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hoffman Estates 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