Illinois requires a state-level emt / paramedic license. The licensing authority is State EMS Board / Dept of Health. The median salary is $42,934 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
Illinois requires an emt / paramedic to hold a state license. Provide emergency medical care and transportation for patients in pre-hospital settings. Licensing is administered by the State EMS Board / Dept of Health.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | EMT: 120-150 hours training. Paramedic: 1,200-1,800 hours training. |
| Experience Details | EMT: 120-150 hours training. Paramedic: 1,200-1,800 hours training. |
Illinois requires passing the Illinois NREMT Certification Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $110.
| Exam Name | Illinois NREMT Certification Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | NREMT Certification Exam |
| Application Fee | $110 |
Getting licensed as an emt / paramedic in Illinois takes 24 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $110 and renewal fees of $110 every 2 years. Continuing education of 40 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $110 |
| License Renewal | $110 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 40 hours |
EMT / Paramedics in Illinois earn a median salary of $42,934, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in Illinois |
| National average | $40,890 |
Yes — Illinois requires a state-level emt / paramedic license. Provide emergency medical care and transportation for patients in pre-hospital settings.
The required exam is the Illinois NREMT Certification Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $110.
The median annual salary for emt / paramedics in Illinois is $42,934. The national median is $40,890.
Illinois requires 40 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 24 months including experience requirements.