1

Emergency Vehicle Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Emergency Vehicle Operator information

See salary details

$14

$20

$28

How much do emergency vehicle operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for emergency vehicle operator in the United States is $21.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Emergency Vehicle Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Emergency Vehicle Operator, you need a valid driver's license, specialized emergency vehicle operation training, and a thorough understanding of traffic laws and safety protocols. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, two-way radios, and emergency response technologies is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, calmness under pressure, and strong communication skills help operators respond effectively in high-stress situations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safety of both emergency responders and the public while delivering timely and efficient emergency services.

What is the difference between Emergency Vehicle Operator vs Firefighter?

AspectEmergency Vehicle OperatorFirefighter
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), emergency vehicle trainingFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license
Work EnvironmentEmergency response vehicles, roads, highwaysFire scenes, rescue sites, fire stations
Employer & IndustryEmergency services, fire departments, EMS agenciesFire departments, rescue services

Emergency Vehicle Operators primarily focus on safely driving emergency vehicles during responses, requiring CDL and specialized training. Firefighters, on the other hand, perform fire suppression, rescue, and medical aid, often holding firefighting and EMT certifications. While both roles work within emergency services and may collaborate, their core duties and certifications differ significantly.

What are some common challenges Emergency Vehicle Operators face during high-pressure situations, and how are they supported in managing them?

Emergency Vehicle Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating through heavy traffic, adverse weather conditions, and unpredictable road situations while maintaining rapid response times. These high-pressure scenarios require quick decision-making and strict adherence to safety protocols. To support operators, agencies typically provide regular training in defensive driving, stress management, and situational awareness. Additionally, operators work closely with emergency response teams, ensuring clear communication and collaboration to enhance overall safety and efficiency.

What are Emergency Vehicle Operators?

Emergency Vehicle Operators are professionals trained to drive and operate vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, or police cars during emergency situations. Their primary role is to safely and efficiently transport emergency personnel and equipment to and from incident scenes, while adhering to specific traffic laws and safety protocols. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers, patients, and the general public during urgent responses, often under stressful and high-pressure conditions. Emergency Vehicle Operators typically receive specialized training in defensive driving, vehicle maintenance, and emergency response procedures.

What emergency job pays the most?

Among emergency vehicle operators, paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) tend to have higher salaries, especially those with advanced certifications or specialized skills. Fire chiefs and emergency services managers also earn higher wages due to leadership responsibilities and experience. Salaries vary by region and level of experience but generally, supervisory and specialized roles in emergency services pay the most within the field.
More about Emergency Vehicle Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Emergency Vehicle Operator jobs? Cities with the most Emergency Vehicle Operator job openings:
What states have the most Emergency Vehicle Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Emergency Vehicle Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Emergency Vehicle Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Emergency Vehicle Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Emergency Vehicle Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,677 per year, or $21 per hour.
Emergency Vehicle Operator - EMT Transport

Emergency Vehicle Operator - EMT Transport

MedStar Health

Fort Washington, MD

$22.48 - $34.49/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Medstar Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 238 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

132nd of 869 rated healthcare providers


Job description

About this Job: General Summary of Position
Provides basic patient medical care during interfacility ambulance transport. Performs medical procedures under the supervision of a transport paramedic transport nurse or established protocol.All associates hired to work in this job area or role require respiratory protection and must successfully complete a company-provided N95 mask fit test. The use of a properly fitted N95 mask is a mandatory safety requirement. Exemptions or alternatives to the required N95 mask fit are not permitted. Associates who do not pass the fit test may not be considered for this job.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities


  • Safely and efficiently operates the ground ambulance obeying all driving laws.
  • Conducts an inspection of the assigned ambulance at the beginning of each shift to ensure the ambulance is ready and safe for use.
  • As part of the programs safety management system provides feedback and participates in program safety initiatives.
  • Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies procedures quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
  • Ensures cleanliness and appropriate par levels of supplies in transport vehicle(s).
  • Establishes and maintains professional radio communications with MedSTAR and other agencies adhering to appropriate FCC protocols.
  • Initiates department standing orders in appropriate patients. Performs basic airway techniques including oxygen therapy. May perform bag-mask ventilation according to established departmental protocols in emergency situations.
  • Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment of caring for patients and families. Provides basic patient comfort measures during procedures. When necessary provides environmental support to expedite timely patient admission or transfer. Identifies and acts upon opportunities to improve the environment of care.
  • Participates in MedSTAR Transport safety program.
  • Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts.
  • Participates in multi-disciplinary quality and service improvement teams.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Transports patients to various locations as assigned. Loads and unloads patients medical equipment and passengers from MedStar transportation vehicles. May assist in the unloading and transportation of MedSTAR patients from other transportation vehicles through MedSTAR and to assigned rooms as required.
  • Minimal Qualifications
    Education
    • High School Diploma or GED required
    • Successful completion of an approved EMT course. required
    • Completion of an approved emergency vehicle driving course prior to release from orientation. required
    Experience
    • 1-2 years EMT experience preferred
    Licenses and Certifications
    • NREMT - National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians-Basic (EMT-B) required
    • EMT - Emergency Medical Tech in the District of Columbia within 30 Days required
    • EMT - Emergency Medical Tech in Maryland within 30 Days required
    • MedSTAR Transport or Mid Atlantic Air Transportation Services affiliation as an EMT prior to release from orientation required
    • CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days required
    • Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.
    • FEMA ICS 100 Course prior to release from orientation required
    • FEMA ICS 200 Course FEMA IS-200.c Basic Incident Command systems for Initial Response prior to release from orientation required
    • DL - Valid State Driver's License in good standing required
    • No more than four points assigned to driver's license and must maintain a satisfactory driving record (no more than four points).
    • Completion of approved Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (e.g. CEVO EVOC) prior to release from orientation
    Knowledge Skills and Abilities
    • Effective interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication.
    • Basic computer skills preferred.
    This position has a hiring range of : USD $22.48 - USD $34.49 /Hr.

    What Medstar Health employees say

    Pay

    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

    Workplace

    Get the full story on Breakroom


    Medstar Health logo

    About Medstar Health

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.

    Industry

    Health care and social assistance

    Company size

    10,000+ Employees

    Headquarters location

    Columbia, MD, US

    Social media