Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians

SOC code 53-3011 · O*NET-SOC 53-3011.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$35,450

a year

Hourly

$17.04

per hour

10th$27,350Median$35,45090th$45,960

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$36,210

$17.41 per hour

Middle 50%

$30,750 – $38,410

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$27,350 – $45,960

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

12,630

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $27,350; $13.15/hr
25th percentile: $30,750; $14.78/hr
Median percentile: $35,450; $17.04/hr
75th percentile: $38,410; $18.47/hr
90th percentile: $45,960; $22.10/hr

What do ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians do?

Drive ambulance or assist ambulance driver in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons. Assist in lifting patients.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Place patients on stretchers, and load stretchers into ambulances, usually with assistance from other attendants.
Replace supplies and disposable items on ambulances.
Accompany and assist emergency medical technicians on calls.
Earn and maintain appropriate certifications.
Drive ambulances or assist ambulance drivers in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons.
Administer first aid, such as bandaging, splinting, or administering oxygen.
Remove and replace soiled linens or equipment to maintain sanitary conditions.
Report facts concerning accidents or emergencies to hospital personnel or law enforcement officials.

How to qualify for this work

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does an ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians earn?

The national median is $35,450 a year. The full range runs from $27,350 at the 10th percentile to $45,960 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.5/5
Critical Thinking3.5/5
Speaking3.4/5
Reading Comprehension3.3/5
Active Learning3.1/5
Monitoring3.0/5

Knowledge areas

English Language4.3/5
Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
Transportation4.0/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.8/5
Public Safety and Security3.8/5
Education and Training3.5/5
Psychology3.4/5
Telecommunications3.4/5

Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, Operation and Control, Coordination.