EMT Salaries in Illinois — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median emt salary in Illinois is $40,780 per year, equivalent to $19.61/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Illinois employs approximately 8,480 emts statewide.
EMT salaries in Illinois are below the national average by approximately $565. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Illinois's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for emts across both urban and rural areas.
Illinois EMT Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Illinois after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Illinois EMT Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Illinois median of $40,780.
EMT Salary by Experience — Illinois
EMT Salary Trend in Illinois — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataemts pay in Illinois has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the emt workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Illinois's emergency medical services.
EMT Salary by City — Illinois
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $45,250 | $21.75 | +11.0% | 2,968 |
| Aurora | $43,250 | $20.79 | +6.1% | 2,374 |
| Naperville | $42,000 | $20.19 | +3.0% | 1,526 |
| Joliet | $39,150 | $18.82 | -4.0% | 763 |
| Rockford | $37,100 | $17.84 | -9.0% | 508 |
| Springfield | $35,500 | $17.07 | -12.9% | 339 |
Tip: Chicago offers the highest emt salaries in Illinois at $45,250/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Illinois vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Illinois sits in the mid-range for emts.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
EMT Job Outlook in Illinois
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for emts in Illinois is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Illinois job market. Illinois's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for emts across both urban and rural areas.
How to Earn More as an EMT in Illinois
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as an emt in Illinois typically adds $33,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State EMS Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Chicago pays emts $45,250/yr — +11.0% above the Illinois average. Simply relocating within Illinois can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. EMTs who specialise in emergency medical services typically command premium rates in Illinois. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Wisconsin pays emts $43,340/yr — 6.3% vs Illinois.
Find EMT Jobs in Illinois
Live ListingsSearch current emt job vacancies in Illinois:
🔍 EMT jobs in Illinois — Indeed→ 🔍 EMT jobs in Illinois — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 EMT jobs — Chicago, IL→