I cant speak really knowlegably on the topic of pay in private sector, but as I recall, Basic EMTs can expect to earn around 12-16 dollars an hour based on years of experience. The big plus is that alot of times there will be overtime available, as well as shift work that tends to be more than 8 hours long. Sometimes you can get a shift that gets your 40 hour week done in three work shifts. Once you learn basics, if you like it and find out your good enough at it, becoming a Paramedic is the way to really make the money.. Medics earn anywhere from 16 to up to 24 dollars an hour ( and more I bet) based again on years of experience. A go getter who can work longer hours in a week... say 60 hours a week in 24 hour shifts, can earn a damn good living when you compare it to some other jobs. Its not going to make you rich, but as long as you enjoy going to work... its a career you will never regret. The side effects... you will see the worst things in humanity you can see, and your going to have to take care of those people. People will die right in front of you, and thats baggage your going to have to live with for the rest of your life. Contrary to popular belief, you wont sleep much at work. You will blow out your back at far to young an age, and most likely end up hurt and out of work once every 5-10 years with something caused by lifting, lowering, or moving people much heavier than you. I wanted to be a pilot when I was growing up, but here I am today. There are quite a few guys and maybe some gals on here who are in the field. Ask away, and seek out those who have the experience to offer you solid advice.
