Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Waukegan, IL: $43,523 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time emergency medical technician in Waukegan, IL earns a median $43,523/year (≈ $20.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Once you factor in Waukegan's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $44,823 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, emergency medical technicians in Waukegan, Illinois, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $43,523, which is approximately 7.51% lower than the national median of $47,058. Local salaries range from $32,625 at the lower end (P10) to $63,338 at the upper end (P90), based on estimates derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments. The role of an EMT serves as a stepping stone to becoming a paramedic, often enhancing earning potential significantly. This dynamic adds an appealing element to the EMT career pathway, especially in Waukegan, where competitive salaries remain necessary to attract and retain skilled professionals in this essential field.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,625 | $15.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,242 | $17.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,523 | $20.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,868 | $23.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,338 | $30.45 |
Median Salary Position
7.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukegan
In Waukegan, IL, the emergency medical technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,713 (2026 est.). At $43,523, the local median is 7.51% below the national median of $47,058.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukegan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukegan Emergency Medical Technician Pay Compares
Waukegan median: $43,523/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukegan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,479 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $47,058 | -7.51% less |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Waukegan, IL earn a median of $43,523 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.51% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $43,479.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukegan 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.
Waukegan, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A emergency medical technician earning $43,523 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,823 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$32,805
2025 BLS Actual
$41,129
2026 Current Est.
$43,523
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Waukegan (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $32,805 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,924 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,005 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,841 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,129 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,523 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,056 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukegan metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 25.4% from $32,805 (2021) to $41,129 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,056 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,251 (40.39%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan 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) | $32,625 – $36,242 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,242 – $43,523 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,523 – $48,868 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,868 – $63,338 |
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 Waukegan
The job market for emergency medical technicians in Waukegan is relatively stable, with 18 people currently employed in this critical profession. The cost of living index in the area stands at 97.1, slightly below the national average, which impacts the purchasing power of EMT salaries. Among the potential employers, municipal fire departments often offer higher wages than private ambulance companies, which have struggled to keep up with inflation. Factors contributing to the spread between the lower and higher pay scales include employer type, shift differentials, and opportunities for overtime. For individuals looking to maximize their earnings in Waukegan, pursuing additional certifications and progressing towards the EMT-to-paramedic bridge can be advantageous, particularly given the higher salary potential associated with being a paramedic.
More salary data for Waukegan, 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 $41,129 for emergency medical techniciansin the Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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