Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and advanced emergency medical technicians (AEMTs) have a similar scope of work, with some differences. If you’re wondering what an AEMT can do that an EMT cannot, the former can perform more advanced interventions, administer medications, and provide more advanced care to patients in out-of-hospital and emergency settings.
This higher level of work–necessitating more intensive training and specialized skills–gives them an edge in the job market, particularly over EMTs. AEMTs earn slightly more than EMTs, with an average advanced emergency medical technician salary of $38,000 in the United States (versus an average salary of $37,000 for EMTs).
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EMT Versus AEMT Salaries in the United States
| Role | Average Salary | Typical Range | Highest Paying States (Average) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMT | $37,000 | $33,000 – $42,000 | Washington: $51,000 New York: $45,000 |
Entry-level EMS role; provides basic emergency care and transport |
| AEMT | $38,000 | $34,000 – $43,000 | New York: $50,000 Pennsylvania: $46,000 |
Higher-level EMT with advanced skills like medication administration and IV therapy |
What Is an EMT?
An EMT is an emergency medical services (EMS) professional tasked to provide out-of-hospital emergency medical care and transport for emergency patients. EMTs can stabilize patients, perform basic medical interventions, safely transport patients on ambulances, and use basic ambulance equipment when needed.
Being an EMT is the first step towards a fruitful EMS career, but getting there is no small feat–EMT courses are highly accelerated, and the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) exam can be challenging. Having the right foundations can go a long way in helping you get through those hurdles, and our Video Vault gives you that push.
Many users have achieved great success through the videos, drug cards, practice tests, etc., that you get from our Video Vault. Troy, for example, has shared how he “comprehended way better than the book,” while Ben said he “learned more here than in my class,” attesting to the resource’s ability to break down complex concepts so that you understand them more easily.
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How Much Does an EMT Earn?
The average EMT salary in the US is around $37,000, but it typically ranges between $33,000 to $42,000. EMTs working in the states of Washington and New York earn the most in the country, with salaries averaging $51,000 and $45,000, respectively.
What Is an AEMT?
AEMTs are higher-level EMTs. They can perform all the services an EMT can, but they also have the training and skills to provide more advanced interventions, including administering fluids and medications. They can also use the more advanced medical equipment in ambulances.
Similar to EMTs, AEMTs also need to take an NREMT exam to be certified in this upgraded position. This time, concepts are a little bit harder to digest, and there’s even more information to remember by heart.
Our Video Vault is a great resource for future AEMTs as it includes resources for all EMS levels. With lifetime access to the program, you get full coverage of the AEMT syllabus without dull lectures, long pages of text, or uninspiring checklists. Instead, you’ll have access to engaging, easy-to-understand content, plus practice tests designed for AEMTs and a supportive community that you can learn from!
How Much Does an AEMT Earn?
An AEMT earns an average of $38,000 in the United States. Their salary typically falls between the range of $34,000 to $43,000. AEMTs working in New York and Pennsylvania earn the most in the country, with an average salary of approximately $50,000 and $46,000, respectively.
AEMT Versus EMT
EMTs and AEMTs play significant roles in the EMS settings. These two professionals may often act as the highest care providers in certain emergency medical situations.
Both provide similar services, but AEMTs are more highly trained, so they have the clearance to perform more advanced interventions, particularly administering fluids and medications and using advanced ambulance equipment. EMTs often perform under medical oversight, and AEMTs can assist paramedics and medical staff during calls.
Becoming an AEMT
Much like in the case of other EMS professionals, becoming an AEMT requires undergoing education and training, passing the corresponding National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) exam, and earning certification. To become an AEMT, you must first become an EMT (and usually render some experience). Then, you must take additional training before taking the NREMT again and receiving your license.
Whether you’re still fresh off the EMT to AEMT pipeline or need to refresh your memory on the skills and concepts of the next-level job, you’ll need a reputable AEMT test prep program to reach your goals. The Video Vault by The Paramedic Coach is designed to be an easy-to-understand EMS resource that will help you better comprehend what you need to know about being an AEMT. Get lifetime access to our Video Vault today!
