Study Ranks Top 10 Locations for EMTs and Paramedics in the U.S.
Article reprinted with permission from GoodCall.
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics don’t always get the same recognition as doctors and nurses. But they’re an equally important part of the medical field, especially in emergency situations. EMTs and paramedics save lives in high-pressure environments, responding to emergency calls, performing medical services at the scene and transporting patients quickly and safely to hospitals.
Unsurprisingly, the career of emergency medical personnel isn’t without stress. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, EMTs and paramedics experience work-related illnesses and injuries at a much higher level than the average worker. They’re also often required to work long hours and irregular schedules.
Many emergency medical workers stick with the job, in spite of the long hours and stress, because they genuinely enjoy helping others and making a difference. However, perks—like competitive salaries, low cost of living and great amenities—can also help. That’s why Goodcall decided to take a look at the country’s best places for EMTs and paramedics, evaluating 750 metro and micro areas nationwide based on the following criteria:
- Average EMT/paramedic salaries
- Housing affordability (percent of income spent on rent)
- Area amenities (including arts, entertainment and recreation
- Employment attractiveness (a metric that combines job availability, density and competition)
Methodology
GoodCall analyzed more than 750 metro and micro areas nationwide and come up with an overall ranking, based on average EMT and paramedic salary, job competition, density and availability, housing affordability and amenities.
The employment attractiveness rank is based on a combination of EMT/paramedic job density, which was taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and EMT/paramedic job availability and competition (resumes per available job), which were taken from Indeed.com. This metric, which shows how attractive an area is for job seekers, represents 45% of our overall score.
The average EMT/paramedic salary was taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics tool and represents the annual mean wage for EMTs and paramedics in 2013. This represents 30% of our overall score.
The housing affordability index was taken from the U.S. Census American Fact Finder. This is the average percentage of income spent on housing, and represents 15% of our overall score.
The number of amenities per 1,000 households was taken from the U.S. Census American Fact Finder. It includes arts, entertainment and recreation, and represents 10% of our overall score.
Read on to check out the top 10 places for EMTs and paramedics.
10. Pueblo, CO
GoodCall score: 434.60
Average EMT/paramedic salary: $39,560
Housing affordability index: 27.43%
Amenities per 1,000 housing units: 4.92
Employment attractiveness rank: 3
9. Yuma, AZ
GoodCall score: 435.70
Average EMT/paramedic salary: $46,280
Housing affordability index: 22.67%
Amenities per 1,000 housing units: 3.21
Employment attractiveness rank: 149
8. Olympia-Tumwater, WA
GoodCall score: 436.65
Average EMT/paramedic salary: $57,270
Housing affordability index: 25.99%
Amenities per 1,000 housing units: 5.54
Employment attractiveness rank: 192
7. Kennewick-Richland, WA
GoodCall score: 436.95
Average EMT/paramedic salary: $53,480
Housing affordability index: 22.58%
Amenities per 1,000 housing units: 4.12
Employment attractiveness rank: 167
6. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
GoodCall score: 439.85
Average EMT/paramedic salary: $63,450
Housing affordability index: 25.92%
Amenities per 1,000 housing units: 6.74
Employment attractiveness rank: 181
5. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
GoodCall score: 436.95
Average EMT/paramedic salary: $53,480
Housing affordability index: 22.58%
Amenities per 1,000 housing units: 4.12
Employment attractiveness rank: 167
4. Baton Rouge, LA
GoodCall score: 443.35
Average EMT/paramedic salary: 443.35
Housing affordability index: 443.35
Amenities per 1,000 housing units: 5.23
Employment attractiveness rank: 136
3. Amarillo, TX
GoodCall score: 446.35
Average EMT/paramedic salary: 446.35
Housing affordability index: 446.35
Amenities per 1,000 housing units: 5.28
Employment attractiveness rank: 19
2. Lexington-Fayette, KY
GoodCall score: 450.00
Average EMT/paramedic salary: $46,540
Housing affordability index: 25.18%
Amenities per 1,000 housing units: 7.03
Employment attractiveness rank: 83
1. Ames, IA
GoodCall score: 453.85
Average EMT/paramedic salary: $44,430
Housing affordability index: 26.04%
Amenities per 1,000 housing units: 6.82
Employment attractiveness rank: 35
