Transportation and material moving
Ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians
Drive ambulance or assist ambulance driver in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons. Assist in lifting patients.
Median pay
$35,450
Growth to 2035
−1%
little or no change
Openings a year
1,400
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians: 77% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Place patients on stretchers, and load stretchers into ambulances, usually with assistance from other attendants.
- Replace supplies and disposable items on ambulances.
- Accompany and assist emergency medical technicians on calls.
- Earn and maintain appropriate certifications.
- Drive ambulances or assist ambulance drivers in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons.
- Administer first aid, such as bandaging, splinting, or administering oxygen.
- Remove and replace soiled linens or equipment to maintain sanitary conditions.
- Report facts concerning accidents or emergencies to hospital personnel or law enforcement officials.
Also called: Ambulance Driver · Chair Car Driver · CPR Ambulance Driver (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Ambulance Driver) · Driver · Driver Medic · ECA (Emergency Care Attendant) · Emergency Vehicle Operator · EMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver)
Outlook and AI
Ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians held 14,300 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 14,100 by 2035 (−1%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).
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