Paramedic in Illinois

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$40,780

trending_down -1.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Illinois.

engineering

8,480

Jobs (IL)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$170

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in Illinois

To become a licensed Paramedic in Illinois, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic program and pass either the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic exam or the Illinois State Paramedic Exam. The licensing body is the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of EMS & Highway Safety. A minimum age of 18, a high school diploma or GED, and CPR certification are also required. Illinois offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees or NREMT-certified individuals.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $33,890

25th percentile $37,680

50th (median) $40,780

75th percentile $50,380

90th (experienced) $130,860

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Illinois. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Illinois requirements

Licensing body	Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of EMS & Highway Safety
State license	Required
Education	State-approved Paramedic program
Exam	National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic exam or Illinois State Paramedic Exam ($110)
Application fee	$60
Renewal	Every 4.0 years
Continuing education	100.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires a high school diploma or GED. Background check and CPR certification are also required. As of January 1, 2023, EMS personnel must complete at least one one-hour course on Alzheimer's disease or other dementias per renewal period. Illinois uses its own state exam for initial licensure but accepts NREMT for reciprocity. However, students who complete a paramedic program in Illinois and take the NREMT exam do not need to apply for reciprocity; their EMS system coordinator submits the necessary documentation.

Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of EMS & Highway Safety

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.1%

Faster than average

Annual openings

14,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

181,000

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleIllinois license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)

psychology

Wondering if a paramedic career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a paramedic in Illinois? expand_more

In Illinois, becoming a paramedic requires you to complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic exam or Illinois State Paramedic Exam, and submit your application ($60 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a paramedic in Illinois? expand_more

Yes, Illinois requires a state license to practice as a paramedic. The licensing body is Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of EMS & Highway Safety. You must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic exam or Illinois State Paramedic Exam.

How much does a paramedic make in Illinois? expand_more

Illinois paramedics bring home a median salary of $40,780. This is close to the national median of $41,340. New paramedics start around $33,890; seasoned professionals can reach $130,860.

What are the fees to become a paramedic in Illinois? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($110) and application fee ($60) plus your education and training.

How many months or years does paramedic certification take in Illinois? expand_more

Most candidates in Illinois complete the process in 1-2 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

What are the continuing education requirements for paramedics in Illinois? expand_more

To keep your license active, Illinois mandates 100.0 CE hours every 4.0 years.

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