How to Become a Paramedic in Illinois (2026)
Illinois employs about 3,890 paramedics earning a median $60,660 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Paramedic here means completing a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure, then applying through Illinois Department of Public Health.
Illinois employs approximately 3,890 paramedics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $60,660 1. Nationally, paramedic employment is projected to grow 5.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 4,900 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Paramedic in Illinois, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: state-approved paramedic program after EMT (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure
- Licensing authority: Illinois Department of Public Health
- Licensing authority: Illinois Department of Public Health
- Exam: NREMT (most states)
- Median wage (Illinois): $60,660 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Paramedic in Illinois
How to become a Paramedic in Illinois? Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure. Apply through Illinois Department of Public Health. See the NREMT 3 for the national exam.
How long does it take? Most people finish a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the training program and Illinois Department of Public Health.
Do I need a license in Illinois? Yes. Illinois certifies paramedics through Illinois Department of Public Health 4. You also pass the NREMT exam in most states. See the licensing section below.
What do paramedics earn in Illinois? The median annual wage for paramedics in Illinois is $60,660 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $47,210 and experienced professionals can earn $106,810 or more 1.
How to Become a Paramedic in Illinois
- Hold an EMT credential and meet program entry rules. Paramedic programs in Illinois typically require a current EMT certification, a high school diploma or GED, and CPR. Confirm age, driving, and background-check rules with the program.
- Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program. Enroll in a state-approved, CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program in Illinois. These programs are longer than EMT training and combine classroom work with clinical and field internships. Confirm current length with the program. This is not a registered apprenticeship path.
- Pass the NREMT paramedic exam. Pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians paramedic exam. See the NREMT 3 for current cognitive and psychomotor rules.
- Apply for Illinois paramedic licensure. Apply through Illinois Department of Public Health. Some states also require a local EMS agency affiliation. Confirm current fees and reciprocity before you practice.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Paramedic License Requirements in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Public Health oversees paramedic licensure in Illinois 4. Most candidates complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT and take the NREMT paramedic exam 3.
Typical paramedic path
- Hold a current EMT certification.
- Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program (longer than EMT; confirm length with the school).
- Pass the NREMT paramedic exam.
- Apply for Illinois paramedic licensure.
Hour totals, background checks, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Illinois EMS office before you enroll.
Paramedic Wages by Metro Area in Illinois
Paramedics Wages by Metro Area in Illinois
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), paramedics wages in Illinois vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | 2,560 | $77,670 | $83,400 | $50,000 | $106,810 |
| St. Louis | 1,890 | $63,050 | $62,680 | $45,480 | $83,730 |
| Peoria | 210 | $49,440 | $54,290 | $40,480 | $67,310 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | 130 | $51,660 | $57,950 | $43,770 | $77,290 |
| Champaign-Urbana | 60 | $50,100 | $54,530 | $46,030 | $66,740 |
| Paducah | 60 | $53,980 | $53,020 | $38,900 | $70,680 |
| Cape Girardeau | 30 | $51,650 | $53,440 | $43,120 | $63,030 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for paramedics in Illinois? Illinois currently employs approximately 3,890 paramedics 1. Nationally, paramedic employment is projected to grow 5.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a paramedic in Illinois with an out-of-state license? Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Illinois? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Illinois.
How much do paramedics earn in Illinois compared to the national average? The median annual wage for paramedics in Illinois is $60,660, which is $2,250 above the national median of $58,410 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NREMT - National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: https://www.nremt.org/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Illinois Department of Public Health - Licensing Information: http://www.idph.state.il.us ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |