Are you looking for the latest reliable EMS data? This article can give you some important facts and statistics about job growth, regional opportunities and pay rates in different states.
In the area of EMS data regarding employment, there are currently about 210,700 EMS workers employed in the U.S. The trend for strong job growth is expected to grow at a healthy rate, with projections of a 9% increase in the next ten years. This rate is considered average for professions in the U.S. The increase in aging population is one reason for the growth of employment opportunities, due to the fact that older people are more likely to need emergency medical care. They also have a greater need for transport between medical facilities.
EMS data also shows that emergency room overcrowding is another factor impacting the increased need for EMS workers because they end up spending more time with each patient while they wait for an ER slot. Plus, they often end up having to transport the patient to another hospital with more space, which also requires more of their time. Increased time spent means that EMS providers are forced to hire more personnel.
Another factor affecting EMS employment growth is the fact that communities increasingly find it difficult to recruit unpaid EMS workers to serve at volunteer fire departments, which necessitates hiring paid employees to fill those important positions.
According to EMS data in the 2010 Bureau of Labor Statistics Report, EMT salaries vary greatly according to region and level of training. California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania and Illinois are the states with the highest numbers of employed EMS workers. Hourly wages for EMS personnel range from $9.48 to $24.70 with the median pay being $14.60. Yearly salaries range from $19,710 to $51,370 with the median being $30,360. The highest paying states are District of Colombia, Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, with compensation ranging from $43,530 to $49,870.
EMS data shows that the best jobs for workers are in local and state governments, which have a higher rate of pay and better benefits. These employers include fire departments, police departments and other government-funded rescue services.
EMS data also reveals that the higher level of training an EMS worker receives, the more likely they are to land the more lucrative jobs such as the ones mentioned above, which are increasingly sought after. Another statistic reveals that only 27% of EMS workers were covered by a union contract as of 2008.
All in all, EMS data is favorable for professionals in this field. It shows solid growth, relatively good pay and steady employment opportunities.
