EMT/Paramedic Salary in Chicago, IL
EMT/Paramedic salary data for Chicago, IL — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
EMT/Paramedic Salary in Chicago, IL — 2026
The median EMT/Paramedic salary in Chicago, IL is $40,660 per year ($3,388/month, $20/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 107, which is 7% above the national average.
EMT/Paramedic Take-Home Pay in Chicago
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $40,660 |
| Federal Tax | -$2,841 |
| State Tax (5.0%) | -$2,013 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$3,110 |
| Annual Take-Home | $32,696 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $2,725 |
Living Cost Comparison
EMT/Paramedic Requirements
Key Skills
Chicago Job Market Overview
Chicago, Illinois has a population of 2,696,555 and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The top industries are Finance, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.5%, and the average commute time is 35 minutes.
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EMT/Paramedic Salary in Nearby Illinois Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average EMT/Paramedic salary in Chicago, IL?
How much does a EMT/Paramedic take home in Chicago after taxes?
Is Chicago a good city for EMT/Paramedics?
What skills are needed for a EMT/Paramedic in Chicago?
How does EMT/Paramedic salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average EMT/Paramedic salary in Chicago, IL?
The median EMT/Paramedic salary in Chicago, IL is $40,660 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level EMT/Paramedics earn around $29,960, while senior-level professionals can earn $54,570 or more.
How much does a EMT/Paramedic take home in Chicago after taxes?
A EMT/Paramedic earning the median salary of $40,660 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $32,696 per year ($2,725/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 19.6%.
Is Chicago a good city for EMT/Paramedics?
Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). EMT/Paramedics here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a EMT/Paramedic in Chicago?
Key skills for EMT/Paramedics include Emergency Medical Care, CPR/AED, IV Therapy, Trauma Assessment, Ambulance Operation. Typical education requirement is Certificate/Associate's. Valuable certifications include NREMT, State EMT License, ACLS.
How does EMT/Paramedic salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
The national median EMT/Paramedic salary is $38,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $40,660, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.