Paramedic Jobs in Illinois
Paramedic jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand from fire-based EMS systems, hospital-based ambulance services, and private transport companies at every level from entry-level EMT-to-paramedic transitions through flight and critical care roles. The busiest hiring markets are Chicago, Rockford, and Springfield, where large employers like the Chicago Fire Department, Acadian Ambulance, and AMITA Health have anchored regional EMS operations for years. Mobile integrated healthcare, critical care transport, and community paramedicine are the specialties drawing the most consistent openings across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
PARAMEDIC
CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT
Number of Positions: 11 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: $74,526
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 11/04/2026
Under general supervision of a Paramedic In-Charge or Ambulance Commander, a paramedic provides emergency medical care and transportation to victims of trauma, injury or illness; participates in training drills and exercises, attends training programs, maintains paramedic equipment and fire house facilities; and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Responds to calls for emergency medical assistance to provide pre-hospital emergency medical care
- Treats sick and injured persons at fire and emergency scenes by assessing the nature and extent of illness or injury and following established protocols
- Uses medical equipment, administers medications, applies cardiac monitors, and performs other advanced life support procedures in accordance with Region EMS System protocols
- Prepares patients for transport to hospital facilities, placing them on a stretcher or other conveyance devices, lifting and carrying patients as required
- Prepares patient care reports and other documents as required
- Inspects and ensures that medical, electronic and communications equipment on an ambulance are in proper operating condition
- Inspects the operational condition of ambulance and related apparatus and performs routine operator maintenance checks of ambulances
- Inventories supplies on ambulance, inspects the condition and quality, and restocks supplies following each run or as required
- Ensures safe operation while driving the ambulance and other vehicles to and from emergency scenes and hospitals
- May participate in public education safety programs to educate the public concerning fire prevention and safety programs
- Attends training classes and participates in company drills relating to paramedic protocols; hazardous materials awareness and operations, extrication and related Emergency Medical Service (EMS) operations
- Performs general maintenance and cleaning of Fire Department equipment and general housekeeping of firehouse facilities
- Strictly employs universal precautions, proper barrier devices and routine hand washing in the prevention of disease transmission
- Additional duties may be required for this position
Location: Varies
Days: Sunday - Saturday
Hours: Varies
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
NOTE: Applicants MUST ATTACH a copy of ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.
- A current, valid, State of Illinois certification as a licensed Paramedic/EMT-P
- A current, valid, U.S. driver's license
Failure to attach these documents may result in an incomplete application and you may not be considered for this position.
NOTE: If you experience difficulty attaching your required documentation, please call the Help Desk at (312) 744-4976 between the hours of 8:30am (CST) and 4:30pm (CST), Monday through Friday. You can also e-mail your documents to fire-application@cityofchicago.org. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the required documentation is properly attached to the application by the close of the application period.
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf
APPLICATION EVALUATION:
Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders.
For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.
CPFTA Preference NOTE:
Qualified applicants that have successfully completed the Chicago Police and Fire Training Academy (CPFTA) will be granted preference for this position, providing the preference is not superseded by a collective bargaining agreement. To qualify for the preference, the applicant must otherwise qualify for the job and must be eligible for the position. In order to receive the CPFTA Graduate Preference, candidates need to indicate whether or not they are a CPFTA graduate by answering "yes" or "no" to the question on the online application that asks, "Did you complete the Chicago Police and Fire Training Academy (CPFTA) program and receive high school credit for your participation and do you want to be considered for this preference?" In addition, you must attach documentation to verify your successful completion of the CPFTA program. You must attach a copy of your high school transcripts that indicate your participation or the Certificate of Completion from the Chicago Police & Fire Training Academy. Failure to answer the question and attach the required documentation will result in you not being considered for CPFTA Preference.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor
Job Posting
Oct 21, 2026, 12: 00:00 AM
Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External:
Nov 4, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
BU: 87
Salary: $74,526
Pay Basis: Yearly
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
PARAMEDIC
CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT
Number of Positions: 11 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: $74,526
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 11/04/2026
Under general supervision of a Paramedic In-Charge or Ambulance Commander, a paramedic provides emergency medical care and transportation to victims of trauma, injury or illness; participates in training drills and exercises, attends training programs, maintains paramedic equipment and fire house facilities; and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Responds to calls for emergency medical assistance to provide pre-hospital emergency medical care
- Treats sick and injured persons at fire and emergency scenes by assessing the nature and extent of illness or injury and following established protocols
- Uses medical equipment, administers medications, applies cardiac monitors, and performs other advanced life support procedures in accordance with Region EMS System protocols
- Prepares patients for transport to hospital facilities, placing them on a stretcher or other conveyance devices, lifting and carrying patients as required
- Prepares patient care reports and other documents as required
- Inspects and ensures that medical, electronic and communications equipment on an ambulance are in proper operating condition
- Inspects the operational condition of ambulance and related apparatus and performs routine operator maintenance checks of ambulances
- Inventories supplies on ambulance, inspects the condition and quality, and restocks supplies following each run or as required
- Ensures safe operation while driving the ambulance and other vehicles to and from emergency scenes and hospitals
- May participate in public education safety programs to educate the public concerning fire prevention and safety programs
- Attends training classes and participates in company drills relating to paramedic protocols; hazardous materials awareness and operations, extrication and related Emergency Medical Service (EMS) operations
- Performs general maintenance and cleaning of Fire Department equipment and general housekeeping of firehouse facilities
- Strictly employs universal precautions, proper barrier devices and routine hand washing in the prevention of disease transmission
- Additional duties may be required for this position
Location: Varies
Days: Sunday - Saturday
Hours: Varies
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
NOTE: Applicants MUST ATTACH a copy of ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.
- A current, valid, State of Illinois certification as a licensed Paramedic/EMT-P
- A current, valid, U.S. driver's license
Failure to attach these documents may result in an incomplete application and you may not be considered for this position.
NOTE: If you experience difficulty attaching your required documentation, please call the Help Desk at (312) 744-4976 between the hours of 8:30am (CST) and 4:30pm (CST), Monday through Friday. You can also e-mail your documents to fire-application@cityofchicago.org. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the required documentation is properly attached to the application by the close of the application period.
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf
APPLICATION EVALUATION:
Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders.
For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.
CPFTA Preference NOTE:
Qualified applicants that have successfully completed the Chicago Police and Fire Training Academy (CPFTA) will be granted preference for this position, providing the preference is not superseded by a collective bargaining agreement. To qualify for the preference, the applicant must otherwise qualify for the job and must be eligible for the position. In order to receive the CPFTA Graduate Preference, candidates need to indicate whether or not they are a CPFTA graduate by answering "yes" or "no" to the question on the online application that asks, "Did you complete the Chicago Police and Fire Training Academy (CPFTA) program and receive high school credit for your participation and do you want to be considered for this preference?" In addition, you must attach documentation to verify your successful completion of the CPFTA program. You must attach a copy of your high school transcripts that indicate your participation or the Certificate of Completion from the Chicago Police & Fire Training Academy. Failure to answer the question and attach the required documentation will result in you not being considered for CPFTA Preference.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor
Job Posting
Oct 21, 2026, 12: 00:00 AM
Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External:
Nov 4, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
BU: 87
Salary: $74,526
Pay Basis: Yearly
See All 92 Paramedic Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Paramedic JobsParamedic Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Paramedic Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Government & Public Sector
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in paramedic jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois EMT-Paramedic license issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health
- Current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic certification
- Valid CPR and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification from the American Heart Association
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and ability to operate emergency vehicles
- Completion of an accredited paramedic education program approved for Illinois licensure
- Ability to lift and transfer patients and perform sustained physical work in field conditions
Paramedic Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a paramedic in Illinois?
To become a paramedic in Illinois, you must complete an Illinois Department of Public Health-approved paramedic education program, pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians cognitive and psychomotor exams, and then apply for an Illinois EMT-Paramedic license through IDPH. Most programs require you to already hold an Illinois EMT license before beginning paramedic coursework. Community colleges and hospital-based training centers across the state offer approved programs.
How much do paramedics make in Illinois?
Paramedics in Illinois earn a median of about $60,660 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $47,210 for the lowest 10% to over $106,810 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire paramedics in Illinois?
Employers hiring paramedics in Illinois right now include AMR, Medcor, and Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois's mix of large municipal fire-based EMS systems, private ambulance companies, and hospital-owned transport services means openings appear across the full spectrum of provider types throughout the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most paramedic jobs?
Chicago, Rockford, and Skokie have the most paramedic openings in Illinois right now. Chicago drives the largest share given its size, density of hospital systems, and the scale of the Chicago Fire Department's EMS division, while Rockford and Springfield produce steady openings from regional hospital networks and county EMS agencies serving large suburban and rural catchment areas.
Are there remote paramedic jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of paramedic openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting how hands-on and field-based the role is by nature. The parts of paramedic work most likely to appear in a remote or hybrid format are medical dispatch coordination, EMS education and simulation instruction, and quality assurance or protocol review positions.
How can I get hired as a paramedic in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to fire departments and private ambulance services that hire new Illinois-licensed paramedics into field training officer programs, where you complete supervised hours before solo deployment. Large Illinois employers including municipal fire departments in Cook County and regional systems like Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service run structured field internship tracks for newly licensed candidates. Holding your National Registry certification and an Illinois EMT-Paramedic license before applying removes the most common barrier, and lateral experience as an EMT-Basic or firefighter EMT strengthens your file considerably.
Where can I find and apply to paramedic jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to paramedic jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state. Find roles that fit your experience level and location, then apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 92 Paramedic Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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