Public Service Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median emt/paramedic salary in Rockford, IL is $31,923 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$31,923
vs State Avg
$-5,061
vs National
$-7,007
Cost of Living
82%

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

Rockford offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $31,923, which is $5,061 below the Illinois state average of $36,984. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $31,923 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,930 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Rockford spans from $21,320 at the 10th percentile to $50,840 at the 90th percentile — a $29,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,960, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,560. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $22,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,800
$-7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,560
$-10,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $21,320
25th Percentile $25,420
Median (50th) $31,923
75th Percentile $41,000
90th Percentile $50,840

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$42,044
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$41,655
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$36,984
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$33,091
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Rockford

Education

Most emt/paramedic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Rockford 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 Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Rockford

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Rockford

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Rockford, Illinois is $31,923 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $21,320 (10th percentile) to $50,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,923, a emt/paramedic in Rockford earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Rockford's median emt/paramedic salary of $31,923 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $36,984. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $31,923 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Rockford? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Rockford 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.