Students who meet all the Georgia EMT certification requirements and pass the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) exam earn, on average, $18.47 an hour, or $38,417 a year, based on a standard working week. In comparison to other jobs, EMTs earn 37% more than employees in Georgia with a high school diploma and 105% more than unskilled employees.
If you’re interested in how to get hired as an EMT in Georgia, it’s also worth noting that more experienced or senior EMTs typically command a higher pay rate, averaging $25.13 per hour. This could equate to $52,270 a year, and potentially more again, given that EMTs often work longer shifts or rotations, which means an above-average hourly salary becomes a generous pay packet at the end of the month.
What Factors Will Impact the Salary I Can Earn as a Georgia EMT?
Of course, averages are just that, and if you’ve just completed one of the best EMT exam prep courses in Georgia and are preparing for your National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) test, you’ll probably anticipate making towards the lower end of the scale as a newly qualified junior.
As you gain more experience and potentially decide to study specialist areas of emergency medicine or upskill to become an AEMT, your salary will naturally increase with time. However, other elements might dictate your decision-making in terms of the types of Georgia EMT jobs you apply for and even where you choose to live.
Cities in Georgia With the Highest Average EMT Salary
Generally, larger cities also have higher average salaries, which is mainly related to the cost of living, competition for roles, and the size of the organizations and businesses that establish their offices or facilities in major metropolitan areas.
Here is a snapshot of some of the Georgia cities that offer EMT wages that are higher than the state average of $18.47:
- Douglasville and Decatur have recorded average EMT salaries of $18.48 and $18.93, respectively.
- In Athens, Atlanta, and Macon, EMTs can earn between $19.87 and $21.51 per hour.
- Stockbridge and Buford have the highest average EMT wages, at $21.86 and $24.88 per hour.
Location-specific factors can significantly impact pay. In Buford, for instance, EMTs working in rescue teams around Lake Lanier are likely to be paid more than their peers, reflecting the reasons some cities have higher average salaries, even if they’re not the largest or most populated.
EMT Jobs Roles in Georgia With Above-Average Pay
EMTs can work in countless settings and aren’t confined to operating as part of an ambulance team or within a hospital. While not an exhaustive list, some of the best-paid Georgia EMTs work in roles like:
- Acting as an EMT within a police, fire, or local government department
- Working within a diagnostic lab or for a private clinic
- Providing emergency medical services for construction businesses
- Operating within a theme park, nature reserve, or entertainment facility
If you already have prior experience working in one of these environments, even outside of your qualification as an EMT, this could make you a more attractive candidate.
Sought-After Non-Medical EMT Skills
EMTs with a high level of expertise or knowledge relevant to the setting in which they work often command the most generous salaries, usually because it can be challenging to find a licensed, qualified EMT who also possesses these capabilities.
Examples could include EMTs working for the National Park Service. They might be experienced climbers or hikers, have previously worked in administrative roles in outdoor rescue, or hold a lifeguard qualification that would be well-suited to a job around Cumberland Island National Seashore.
