EMT in Illinois
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL
How to Become an EMT in Illinois
To become a licensed EMT in Illinois, you must complete a state-approved EMT-Basic training program and possess a high school diploma or GED. Candidates must pass either the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Exam or the Illinois State Licensing Exam. The licensing body is the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of EMS & Highway Safety. A fingerprint-based background check is required, and applicants must be at least 18 years old to test for licensure. Illinois also offers reciprocity for EMTs licensed in other states or those with NREMT certification.
EMT Requirements in Illinois
| Detail | Illinois |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of EMS & Highway Safety |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | State-approved EMT-Basic training program and High School Diploma/GED. |
| Exam | National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Exam or Illinois State Licensing Exam ($98) |
| Application Fee | $45 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 60.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Must be at least 18 years old to test for licensure. Requires a fingerprint-based background check. For license renewals occurring on or after January 1, 2023, EMS personnel must complete at least one one-hour course of training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias per license renewal period. While a state exam is standard, NREMT can be used for reciprocity. |
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of EMS & Highway Safety
License Tiers
Illinois offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| EMR | N/A |
| EMT-B | N/A |
| AEMT | N/A |
| Paramedic | N/A |
EMT Salary in Illinois
The median emt salary in Illinois is $40,780 per year, which is 1.4% below the national median of $41,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $33,890 |
| 25th | $37,680 |
| 50th (median) | $40,780 |
| 75th | $50,380 |
| 90th (experienced) | $130,860 |
Illinois employs approximately 8,480 emts.
EMT Job Outlook
Is Becoming an EMT in Illinois Worth It?
Factors to consider: Illinois's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.