Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Park Ridge, IL: $41,787 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Park Ridge, IL earns a median $41,787/year (β $20.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 β projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Park Ridge's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $43,035 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates Β· View source

In 2026, the projected median salary for emergency medical technicians in Park Ridge, Illinois, is $41,787, which is notably 11.20% lower than the national median of $47,058. The salary range for EMTs in the area spans from $34,340 at the 10th percentile to $57,341 at the 90th percentile, providing a varied landscape for income potential within this profession. This data is derived from BLS state-level projections and incorporates regional cost adjustments, illustrating the specific financial landscape for EMTs in the city. Park Ridge may not have as many lucrative opportunities tied to oil-field or industrial medic roles, which often command higher premiums in specific regions, making it crucial for local EMTs to consider alternative employment avenues to enhance their earning potential.
About the Park Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,340 | $16.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,842 | $17.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,787 | $20.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,206 | $21.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,341 | $27.57 |
Median Salary Position
11.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Park Ridge
In Park Ridge, IL, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,001 (2026 est.). At $41,787, the local median is 11.2% below the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Park Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Park Ridge Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Park Ridge median: $41,787/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Park Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,438 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $47,058 | -11.20% less |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Park Ridge, IL earn a median of $41,787 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.20% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $43,438.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Park Ridge has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal Γ (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Park Ridge, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A emergency medical technician earning $41,787 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,035 in an average-cost city β an effective 2.99% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$31,497
2025 BLS Actual
$39,489
2026 Current Est.
$41,787
2021β2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Park Ridge (2021β2027)
2021β2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $31,497 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,572 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,212 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,489 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,787 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,219 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Park Ridge metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $31,497 (2021) to $39,489 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,219 by 2027 β a total increase of $12,722 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021β2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Park Ridge metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026β2026 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) | $34,340 β $36,842 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,842 β $41,787 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,787 β $45,206 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,206 β $57,341 |
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 Park Ridge
Currently, seven emergency medical technicians are employed in Park Ridge, reflecting a compact job market for this vital role. The area's cost of living index stands at 97.1, slightly below the national average, which can affect take-home pay and purchasing power for EMTs. Within Park Ridge, municipal fire departments tend to provide the highest salaries, often paying significantly more than private ambulance companies due to firefighter union agreements and additional cross-training requirements. The disparity in salaries is influenced by employer typesβfire departments generally offer better compensation than industrial or private sectors. Additionally, factors such as shift differentials, overtime availability, and potential advancement towards paramedic certification all contribute to broader salary ranges. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in this market, embracing continuing education and seeking out advanced certifications can lead to improved opportunities and compensation over time.
More salary data for Park Ridge, 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
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 $39,489 for emergency medical techniciansin the Park Ridge 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 (P10βP90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Park Ridge 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. Β· View source data at BLS.gov