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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Showing 5 of 89+ Paramedic jobs
At Riverside, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our organization is running optimally and safely, helping keep the community healthy. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to succeed in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as a team. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!
Summary
- As an Paramedic, you will provide advanced medical care. In this position, you will assess and treat patients in pre-hospital settings, utilizing advanced life support techniques and medications. This role demands excellent physical fitness, strong teamwork skills, and the ability to perform under high-pressure situations, all while delivering compassionate care to those in need.
Essential Duties
- Respond promptly and safely to emergency calls as directed by the dispatcher, providing efficient and effective care to patients at the scene and during transport to healthcare facilities.
- Perform comprehensive patient assessments to determine the nature and severity of illness or injury and establish priorities for emergency care.
- Provide ALS procedures, including but not limited to advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring, intravenous (IV) therapy, medication administration, and trauma care.
- Administer appropriate medical treatments in accordance with protocols, standing orders, and medical direction.
- Work closely with other emergency medical personnel, law enforcement, fire departments, and hospital staff to ensure continuity of care.
- Effectively communicate with dispatch, other healthcare professionals, and receiving facilities to coordinate patient care and provide accurate information.
- Complete detailed and accurate patient care reports, including assessments, treatments provided, and patient responses, ensuring compliance with all documentation standards and regulations.
- Inspect and maintain medical equipment and the ambulance to ensure they are in proper working condition, clean, and fully stocked.
- Participate in continuous quality improvement (CQI) programs, training, and skill development to maintain a high standard of care.
- Interact professionally and compassionately with patients, their families, and the general public, demonstrating a commitment to customer service and patient advocacy.
- Promotes a positive attitude towards their job and promotes positive teamwork with peers.
- Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.
Required experience
- Ability to lift and carry up to 100 pounds
- Must be able to perform job duties in all weather conditions and at any time of day or night.
Preferred Experience
- Strong communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
- Proficiency in advanced medical equipment and technology used in emergency medical care.
Required Licensure/Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid Paramedic certification by the Illinois Department of Health
- As of 9/22/2025, staff must obtain a valid Illinois Class C drivers license within 30 days of this date or of hire
- 18 years of age to meet insurability in Riversides vehicle insurance program
- Must provide proof of a valid driving record to meet insurability in Riversides vehicle insurance program
- Valid BLS certification
Preferred Licensure/Education
- Associates degree
- Certificate in Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Certificate in Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Certificate in Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.
Our Commitment to You:
Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more so your journey at and away from work is remarkable.
Our Total Rewards package includes:
Compensation
- Base compensation within the positions pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
- Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
- Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Benefits - .5 to 1.0 FTE
- Paid Time Off programs
- Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
- Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
- Educational Assistance Program
Benefits - .001 to .49 FTE:
- Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work
Employee Health Requirements
Exposure/Sensory Requirements:
Exposure to:
- Chemicals: Auto soaps and waxes, Armor all (tires), window cleaners (ammonia), bleach, floor cleaners, strippers and wax, alcohol.
- Video Display Terminals: None
- Blood and Body Fluids: EMT positions are exposed through patient care of traumatically injured patients, initiating IV therapy, endotracheal intubation, transfer of incontinent patients, and removal of deceased patients.
- TB or Airborne Pathogens: Possible exposure to undiagnosed patients during field care and transportation.
Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):
- Speech: Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with patient and over communication devices.
- Vision: Correctable to 20/20 for driving and patient assessment, reading monitors, and checking blood pressure.
- Smell: Assess odors on patient's airway, vapors or fumes at scene.
- Hearing: Ability to hear lung and heart sounds, radio communications, and the patient's voice.
- Touch: Good sensation to assess pulse qualities, skin temperatures, and moisture. Manipulate patient care, equipment.
Activity/Lifting Requirements:
Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:
- Sit: 25%
- Twist: 5%
- Stand: 15%
- Crawl: 1%
- Walk: 15%
- Kneel: 2%
- Lift: 10%
- Drive: 18%
- Squat: 6%
- Climb: 3%
- Bend: 8%
- Reach above shoulders: 1%
The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:
- Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
- Up to 20 lbs: Frequently
- Up to 35 lbs: Frequently
- Up to 50 lbs: Frequently
- Up to 75 lbs: Frequently
- Up to 100 lbs: Frequently
- Over 100 lbs: Occasionally
Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):
Cot and sup-plies to patient-arms length to 20 minutes. Patients, cots and supplies to ambulance-arms length to 20 minutes often over 200 lbs. Lift cot and patient into ambulance from ground level to waist height, lasting 30 seconds. Move patient from bed to cot to bed from knee to waist level and back. Carry patients up and down stairs-knee level to over head. Carry patient's belongings to ambulance and into house-arms length for several minutes.
Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:
- Sit: 240
- Twist: 20
- Stand: 180
- Crawl: 5
- Walk: 60
- Kneel: 5
- Lift: 20
- Drive: 240
- Squat: 5
- Climb: 10
- Bend: 15
- Reach above shoulders: 20
Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):
- Simple grasp up to 15 lbs. Normal weight: 5-10# frequent
- Pushing & pulling Normal weight: 150-300# frequent
- Fine Manipulation: Attaching monitor leads, oxygen controls, writing/form completion, opening/closing door latches, IV initiation, drawing and administering medication and intubation.
Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: Required for driving vehicle. Approximately 15 lbs. for accelerator and up to 65 pounds for brakes.
Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:
- Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
- Inside hours: 15
- Outside hours : 9
- Temperature: Extreme cold, Extreme hot
- Lighting: Very Dark, Very Bright
- Noise levels: Very loud, Very soft
- Humidity: Humid, Dry
- Atmosphere: Fumes
- Special Hazards: Mechanical, Electrical, Radiation, Chemical - Mech-Traffic, steps, extrication/packaging equip. Elec.-Monitors, Defibrillators. Chem-spills from accidents, germicidal agents, cleaning supplies. Radiation-accident scenes, transport pts. to radiology appointments.
- Protective Clothing Required: Latex gloves, disposable gowns, face shields, eye protection.
At Riverside, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our organization is running optimally and safely, helping keep the community healthy. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to succeed in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as a team. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!
Summary
- As an Paramedic, you will provide advanced medical care. In this position, you will assess and treat patients in pre-hospital settings, utilizing advanced life support techniques and medications. This role demands excellent physical fitness, strong teamwork skills, and the ability to perform under high-pressure situations, all while delivering compassionate care to those in need.
Essential Duties
- Respond promptly and safely to emergency calls as directed by the dispatcher, providing efficient and effective care to patients at the scene and during transport to healthcare facilities.
- Perform comprehensive patient assessments to determine the nature and severity of illness or injury and establish priorities for emergency care.
- Provide ALS procedures, including but not limited to advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring, intravenous (IV) therapy, medication administration, and trauma care.
- Administer appropriate medical treatments in accordance with protocols, standing orders, and medical direction.
- Work closely with other emergency medical personnel, law enforcement, fire departments, and hospital staff to ensure continuity of care.
- Effectively communicate with dispatch, other healthcare professionals, and receiving facilities to coordinate patient care and provide accurate information.
- Complete detailed and accurate patient care reports, including assessments, treatments provided, and patient responses, ensuring compliance with all documentation standards and regulations.
- Inspect and maintain medical equipment and the ambulance to ensure they are in proper working condition, clean, and fully stocked.
- Participate in continuous quality improvement (CQI) programs, training, and skill development to maintain a high standard of care.
- Interact professionally and compassionately with patients, their families, and the general public, demonstrating a commitment to customer service and patient advocacy.
- Promotes a positive attitude towards their job and promotes positive teamwork with peers.
- Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.
Required experience
- Ability to lift and carry up to 100 pounds
- Must be able to perform job duties in all weather conditions and at any time of day or night.
Preferred Experience
- Strong communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
- Proficiency in advanced medical equipment and technology used in emergency medical care.
Required Licensure/Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid Paramedic certification by the Illinois Department of Health
- As of 9/22/2025, staff must obtain a valid Illinois Class C drivers license within 30 days of this date or of hire
- 18 years of age to meet insurability in Riversides vehicle insurance program
- Must provide proof of a valid driving record to meet insurability in Riversides vehicle insurance program
- Valid BLS certification
Preferred Licensure/Education
- Associates degree
- Certificate in Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Certificate in Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Certificate in Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.
Our Commitment to You:
Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more so your journey at and away from work is remarkable.
Our Total Rewards package includes:
Compensation
- Base compensation within the positions pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
- Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
- Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Benefits - .5 to 1.0 FTE
- Paid Time Off programs
- Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
- Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
- Educational Assistance Program
Benefits - .001 to .49 FTE:
- Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work
Employee Health Requirements
Exposure/Sensory Requirements:
Exposure to:
- Chemicals: Auto soaps and waxes, Armor all (tires), window cleaners (ammonia), bleach, floor cleaners, strippers and wax, alcohol.
- Video Display Terminals: None
- Blood and Body Fluids: EMT positions are exposed through patient care of traumatically injured patients, initiating IV therapy, endotracheal intubation, transfer of incontinent patients, and removal of deceased patients.
- TB or Airborne Pathogens: Possible exposure to undiagnosed patients during field care and transportation.
Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):
- Speech: Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with patient and over communication devices.
- Vision: Correctable to 20/20 for driving and patient assessment, reading monitors, and checking blood pressure.
- Smell: Assess odors on patient's airway, vapors or fumes at scene.
- Hearing: Ability to hear lung and heart sounds, radio communications, and the patient's voice.
- Touch: Good sensation to assess pulse qualities, skin temperatures, and moisture. Manipulate patient care, equipment.
Activity/Lifting Requirements:
Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:
- Sit: 25%
- Twist: 5%
- Stand: 15%
- Crawl: 1%
- Walk: 15%
- Kneel: 2%
- Lift: 10%
- Drive: 18%
- Squat: 6%
- Climb: 3%
- Bend: 8%
- Reach above shoulders: 1%
The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:
- Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
- Up to 20 lbs: Frequently
- Up to 35 lbs: Frequently
- Up to 50 lbs: Frequently
- Up to 75 lbs: Frequently
- Up to 100 lbs: Frequently
- Over 100 lbs: Occasionally
Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):
Cot and sup-plies to patient-arms length to 20 minutes. Patients, cots and supplies to ambulance-arms length to 20 minutes often over 200 lbs. Lift cot and patient into ambulance from ground level to waist height, lasting 30 seconds. Move patient from bed to cot to bed from knee to waist level and back. Carry patients up and down stairs-knee level to over head. Carry patient's belongings to ambulance and into house-arms length for several minutes.
Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:
- Sit: 240
- Twist: 20
- Stand: 180
- Crawl: 5
- Walk: 60
- Kneel: 5
- Lift: 20
- Drive: 240
- Squat: 5
- Climb: 10
- Bend: 15
- Reach above shoulders: 20
Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):
- Simple grasp up to 15 lbs. Normal weight: 5-10# frequent
- Pushing & pulling Normal weight: 150-300# frequent
- Fine Manipulation: Attaching monitor leads, oxygen controls, writing/form completion, opening/closing door latches, IV initiation, drawing and administering medication and intubation.
Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: Required for driving vehicle. Approximately 15 lbs. for accelerator and up to 65 pounds for brakes.
Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:
- Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
- Inside hours: 15
- Outside hours : 9
- Temperature: Extreme cold, Extreme hot
- Lighting: Very Dark, Very Bright
- Noise levels: Very loud, Very soft
- Humidity: Humid, Dry
- Atmosphere: Fumes
- Special Hazards: Mechanical, Electrical, Radiation, Chemical - Mech-Traffic, steps, extrication/packaging equip. Elec.-Monitors, Defibrillators. Chem-spills from accidents, germicidal agents, cleaning supplies. Radiation-accident scenes, transport pts. to radiology appointments.
- Protective Clothing Required: Latex gloves, disposable gowns, face shields, eye protection.
See All 89 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
- Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service16
- AMR9
- LifeLine Ambulance6
- Biolife Plasma Services6
- Medcor4
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
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 Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, AMR, and LifeLine Ambulance, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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, Elmhurst, 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 August 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 89 Paramedic Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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