Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Healthcare
EMT/Paramedic Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for emt/paramedic in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for EMT/Paramedic in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Public Health
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$59,110 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#21 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for EMT/Paramedic licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 4. Submit the application to Illinois Department of Public Health and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $59,110, EMT/Paramedics in Illinois earn 1% above the national median of $58,410. Illinois ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$59,110Hourly estimate
$28.421% above national median
Difference: +$700
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationEMT/Paramedic Salary Ranking
#21 of 50 statesfor EMT/Paramedic median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $100,780 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $80,100 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $75,400 |
| #4 | Oregon | $73,380 |
| #5 | California | $72,180 |
Nearby States Comparison
EMT/Paramedic licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $59,110 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $56,010 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $53,470 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $55,600 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $47,650 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $58,260 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Illinois Department of Public Health
535 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, IL, 62761
Phone: 2177852080
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $301,580 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $84,520 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a EMT/Paramedic in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical EMT/Paramedic salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for EMT/Paramedics in Illinois is $59,110. Salaries range from $39,520 (10th percentile) to $103,160 (90th percentile).
How does the EMT/Paramedic salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
EMT/Paramedics in Illinois earn 1% above the national median of $58,410, with a state median of $59,110.
How many EMT/Paramedics work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 4,680 EMT/Paramedics according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my EMT/Paramedic license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for EMT/Paramedics in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Public Health. Review agency details at http://www.idph.state.il.us/.
How often do you renew a EMT/Paramedic license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.