Public Service Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median emt/paramedic salary in Chicago, IL is $41,655 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$41,655
vs State Avg
+$4,671
vs National
+$2,725
Cost of Living
107%

EMT/Paramedic Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $41,655, which is $4,671 above the Illinois state average of $36,984. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Chicago spans from $27,820 at the 10th percentile to $66,340 at the 90th percentile — a $38,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,960, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $62,060. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $29,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,060 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,960
+$1,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,800
+$2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,060
+$4,060 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $27,820
25th Percentile $33,170
Median (50th) $41,655
75th Percentile $53,500
90th Percentile $66,340

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$42,044
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$36,984
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$33,091
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$31,923
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Chicago

Education

Most emt/paramedic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineCPR/ALSPatient AssessmentTrauma CareCommunicationDriving

Job Outlook

Nationally, emt/paramedic employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Chicago

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Chicago

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Chicago, Illinois is $41,655 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $27,820 (10th percentile) to $66,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,655, a emt/paramedic in Chicago earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Chicago's median emt/paramedic salary of $41,655 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $36,984. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $41,655 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Chicago? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Chicago require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Emergency Medicine, CPR/ALS, Patient Assessment, Trauma Care. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.