Big Bucks for Basics

[emtcater]

$9.50 might be acceptable for a "newbie" but it's still not a living wage, especially after taxes.

I've been a basic for 12 years (as of June) currently living in Vegas, working for a casino security department. While the casino I work for doesn't require a EMT license, all the guys are trained as first responders. When I was hired 3 years ago, my EMT was a factor in the LT hiring me. It's been an unwritten policy since I was hired that I call the shots on the scene of any medical call, and the other officers are to defer to my judgement. It hasn't been a problem at all with my coworkers.

My current rate of pay is $15.65, with full benefits paid. Not bad for a basic.

[Dustdevil]

I've heard that the cost of living has gotten pretty brutal in Vegas over the last decade. Can you confirm that? At least they have no state income tax, but neither do we in Texas. And I can't imagine living above poverty at $15 dollars an hour, especially with a family.

[Don1977]

$9.50 might be acceptable for a "newbie" but it's still not a living wage, especially after taxes.

I've been a basic for 12 years (as of June) currently living in Vegas, working for a casino security department. While the casino I work for doesn't require a EMT license, all the guys are trained as first responders. When I was hired 3 years ago, my EMT was a factor in the LT hiring me. It's been an unwritten policy since I was hired that I call the shots on the scene of any medical call, and the other officers are to defer to my judgement. It hasn't been a problem at all with my coworkers.

My current rate of pay is $15.65, with full benefits paid. Not bad for a basic.

wow nice rate! My company starts at $9.50 I believe, im up to almost $11 an hour, sadly been here 6 1/2 years though

[JimH]

Although not EMS, my company has a different philosophy from any ambulance service I ever worked for, we start at $17 per hour, (which is a good starting wage) and during the employee's probationary period, and learning thier job,the employee should be starting to be worth it, after which there is an generous increase.

We reciently had an employee fail to make his probation, through lack of aptitude and inattention to detail.

Through experience, the company has learned that in our field, mechanics are not easy to find (competent ones), and it does what it can to retain them.

The licence merely means that they have a theoretical knowledge, and are, in theory, trainable. It is the specialized skills and knowledge that they acquire that make them a valuable commodity to the company.

EMTDON970 used his EMT as a way into a related field as a useful skill, but it is difficult to find that niche working as an EMT only and be rewarded for your time and work.

[flight-lp]

Yep. Supply and demand. When you have a dozen schools cranking out hundreds of new, wide-eyed EMTs who are more than happy to work for free just for the chance to play with the siren and get on an FD waiting list, there is no way wages will ever go up.

Just like the airline industry! :oops:

Brand new 20ish y/o pilots within minimal training seeking out the big shiny jet jobs for a minimal amount of money. Some even PAY for the opportunity to fly a turbine aircraft. It amazes me the low levels people will stoop to just to get what they want. Professional work ethic is a dying trait.................................

[Arkymedic]

Hello City,

As an operations manager, I have been giving alot of thought to the average starting pay for Basic's. I recently have been given the responsiblity of recruiting EMT-B's and just trying to get an idea on if our starting pay is competitive. Currently, we start basic's at $9.50/hr that includes benefits. It is my understanding that there are many services that do not offer benefits. What do you all think....excellent, average, bad.... are we being competitive?

PLEASE HELP!

NREMT-P/FFII

Thats damn good for a basic. It's only .80 less than what I make as a medic.

[JimH]

True, and especially true of places like Boeing. where if you are not there to do your job, there is always someone else. Low skill levels at places like Boeing make sure that employees are able to be easily replaced.

I needed to make some sacrifices including working for a general aviation FBO for 2 years while doing security, and moving out of the LA area, but I always viewed it as a step toward a decient job, and not an end.

It was a big step since I had only worked as an EMT, and at the time I decided to change, aerospace was in the tank.

Sometimes you need to be willing to take an up or out attitude if your field does not give you what you need to have a good life.

________________________________________________________________________

Just like the airline industry! :oops:

Brand new 20ish y/o pilots within minimal training seeking out the big shiny jet jobs for a minimal amount of money. Some even PAY for the opportunity to fly a turbine aircraft. It amazes me the low levels people will stoop to just to get what they want. Professional work ethic is a dying trait.................................

[LT.Cook]

In my area of Michigan, Services pay basics about $10.25 Hr starting. In house EMS basic pay for places like Security/EMT at local factorys the Casino and such.. start out at about $12.50-13.50 Hr

[latinaemt1300]

back in jersey i got paid 17.50/hr and i believe the rate is up to 18 and change... i'm in kissimmee now and what they pay the basics is crap... its around 8-9.. and things aren't as cheap here as people think

[whizkid1]

The service that I work for,I think stating pay for a basic is $11 and tops out at $19 per hour.That is higher than most services but they wanted to be competetive.