EMTs, or Emergency Medical Technicians, are vital to our society.

According toMiami Dade College, an EMT is the first person to arrive at the scene of an emergency.

But the role of an EMT extends far beyond helping someone in need.

paramedic in front of an ambulance

Being an EMT comes with a lot of responsibility and is a very rewarding career.

EMTs salaries are unfortunately quite low

An EMT is an essential, and often high-stress, job.

Unfortunately, the money doesn’t often correlate to the intensity of the position.

EMTs helping a patient

According toThe Balance Careers, the average EMT salary is about $35,400.

Often, EMTs are paid hourly, and that hourly rate is often determined by where you live.

There are a few reasons for the low pay, despite the demanding nature of the job.

EMT patch on uniform sleeve

According toMoney, EMTs are not considered essential workers.

Here’s what it does take.

Most EMT jobs only require a high school diploma, perThe Balance Careers.

If you want to enhance your role and become a paramedic, an associate’s degree is required.

When it comes to training, there are three different levels: basic, intermediate, and paramedic.

Each level requires more training than the level before.

The paramedic level requires more schooling and more training.

The biggest difference between an EMT and a paramedic is what they are able to do.