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Entry Level Emt Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Emt information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$12

$24

$35

How much do entry level emt jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level emt in Berkeley, CA is $24.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level EMT, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level EMT, you need basic emergency medical knowledge, CPR certification, and completion of an accredited EMT training program with state licensure. Familiarity with ambulance equipment, patient care reporting systems, and basic life support tools is typically required. Strong communication, calmness under pressure, and teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure effective emergency response, patient safety, and smooth collaboration with healthcare professionals in high-stress situations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level EMTs during their first year on the job?

Entry-level EMTs often face challenges such as adapting to high-stress situations, managing unpredictable work hours, and quickly developing strong communication skills to interact with patients and medical teams. Many also find the emotional aspects of emergency care demanding, especially when dealing with traumatic incidents or critical patients. Support from experienced colleagues and ongoing training can help new EMTs adjust and build confidence in their abilities.

What does an entry level EMT do?

An entry-level EMT is a certified emergency health provider who performs triage services as a first responder. As an emergency medical technician, you work in an ambulance or other front line emergency service, providing treatment to patients. Your EMT-Basic training allows you to stabilize and transport patients for the next level of care. Your responsibilities include making rapid assessments of patient injuries, providing appropriate treatment, and communicating patient status to doctors, paramedics, and other medical staff. Other duties involve taking direction from paramedics, performing CPR, and driving an ambulance.

What is the difference between Entry Level Emt vs Emergency Medical Technician?

AspectEntry Level EmtEmergency Medical Technician
CertificationsBasic EMT certificationBasic EMT certification
Work EnvironmentAmbulances, emergency scenesAmbulances, emergency scenes
Job ResponsibilitiesBasic patient care, transportBasic patient care, transport
Experience LevelEntry-level, new graduatesEntry-level, new graduates

Both Entry Level Emt and Emergency Medical Technician roles require similar certifications and work in emergency medical settings. The terms are often used interchangeably, with 'Entry Level Emt' emphasizing the starting position for new professionals. The main difference lies in terminology rather than job duties or qualifications, making them essentially equivalent entry-level roles in emergency medical services.

What is an entry level EMT?

Entry level EMTs, or Emergency Medical Technicians, are healthcare professionals trained to provide basic emergency medical care and transportation for patients who are ill or injured. They are often the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency and are responsible for assessing a patient’s condition, performing life-saving interventions, and transporting patients to medical facilities. Entry level EMTs typically complete a state-approved training program and must pass a certification exam before working in the field. This role is a foundational position in emergency medical services and can lead to advanced roles with additional training and experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Emt jobs in Berkeley, CA?

The most popular types of Emt jobs in Berkeley, CA are:

What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Entry Level Emt jobs?

Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Entry Level Emt job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Emt job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,966 per year, or $25 per hour.

Firefighter/Paramedic - Entry Level

GovernmentJobs.com

Novato, CA • On-site

$9.5K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Firefighter/Paramedic

Novato Fire Protection District

$9,568.57 Monthly

95 Rowland Way, Novato, CA

Full-Time

Operations

Continuous

Typical Tasks:
  • Respond to emergency medical calls for services in a timely, safe and skilled manner, and gains effective control of the situation. Interview thoroughly and accurately; examine injury. Quickly and competently analyze the medical emergency and apply the correct medical treatment approach including rescue, first aid, resuscitation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defibrillation, controlling bleeding, applying splints, assisting in childbirth, and the administration of drugs, fluids, narcotics, and medications
  • Meet the continuing educational and continuing service requirements for emergency medical technician paramedics, and stays skilled in the operation of appropriate emergency medical equipment, and application of guidelines. Will meet the Marin County EMS Agency requirements for continuing education, continuous service and accreditation
  • Assure that emergency medical equipment, tools, and apparatus are regularly maintained, inspected, and kept in good operating condition. Exercises close control over emergency medical supplies, particularly narcotics, through the utilization of proper inventory procedures, a daily inventory of the drug box and a weekly inventory of all medical supplies, and thorough monitoring of the shelf life of all medical supplies
  • Exercise close control over fire suppression personnel in the application of emergency medical procedures and treatment approaches, and assure patients receive proper treatment
  • Train fire suppression personnel in EMT skills and techniques
  • Prepare thorough and concise reports including Patient Care Reports and Incident Reports. Enter data into a computer terminal in an accurate fashion to prepare reports and amend stored data
  • Maintain consistent and reliable radio communications with designated hospital to relay information on signs and symptoms of the patient. Receives and promptly and correctly carries out the appropriate orders of the emergency medical room staff in the calculation and administration of medications, intravenous solutions, and related emergency therapy techniques
  • Respond to fires with his/her company in a timely, safe, and skilled manner, and participates in their control through hose laying, ladder operation, ventilation, extinguishment, salvage, and overhaul activities. Quickly follows established departmental procedures when responding to emergency calls as well as instructions given at the fire scene. Correctly and promptly uses all relevant apparatus, tools, and equipment
  • Abid by the District's rules, regulations, policies, procedures, mission, guiding principles and firefighter empowerment
  • Conduct inspections and other fire prevention tasks on a frequent and timely basis including fire safety education to eliminate or reduce fire hazards and enforce fire codes. Correctly applies fire codes in inspections and accurately identifies violations
  • Remain skilled in modern fire suppression tactics, methods, and procedures as well as emergency lifesaving procedures through training drills, and other maintenance programs. Maintains knowledge about specific fire hazards in the District, and effective approaches for attacking them, including knowing District street layout
  • Keep the fire station and related grounds, facilities, and supplies in a clean, orderly and useable condition
  • Has extensive knowledge of District streets to respond quickly to fire/ems emergencies
  • Willingly and adequately perform routine non-firefighting work tasks such as working on departmental records, compiling and analyzing emergency reports, maintaining maps and other documented information about the types and locations of buildings and facilities, and in planning fire prevention and suppression activities
  • Function well as a team member of a fire company at any emergency or non-emergency scene, and willingly accepts his/her share of the work required
  • Maintain an adequate level of physical fitness to meet the physical requirements required to perform firefighting tasks
  • Project a positive image to the public as a fire service professional. Develop and maintain public support for EMS, fire suppression and fire prevention activities

Be advised that this position is subject to a COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Effective April 14, 2022, the Marin County Public Health Officer issued a Health Order requiring all Fire and EMS personnel to verify their COVID-19 vaccination status, and be vaccinated with either the single dose Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine; or with the first and second doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech, or Moderna vaccines.

Benefits
  • 48 x 96 schedule
  • After one year of continuous service, shift members are entitled to six (6) shifts of vacation
  • Shift members accrue 12 hours of sick leave per month
  • Members may enroll in District sponsored medical, dental, vision, and voluntary life insurance coverage
  • The District will pay 80% of the applicable Kaiser medical premium towards the medical plan of the members choosing for member and eligible dependents
  • The District pays 100% of dental and vision premiums for the member and eligible dependents
  • The District provides $60,000 of life and AD&D coverage for each member
  • The District offers additional voluntary life insurance coverage for member, member's spouse, and member's children. The member is responsible for 100% of voluntary life insurance premium
  • District sponsored employee assistance program (EAP)
  • 457b deferred compensation retirement plan with District matching up to $100/month (optional employee enrollment)
  • Retirement Health Savings account with District matching based on age at date of hire
  • Safety new hires will join the Marin County Employees Retirement Association (MCERA) as a PEPRA employee at 2.7% at 57
  • 12 month probationary period
  • Behavioral Health programs and training, including but not limited health and wellness screenings, and agency and county peer support teams
  • Firefighter/Paramedics are represented by the Novato Professional Firefighters Association (NPFA)

Novato Fire District is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and welcome and encourage qualified applicants of all ages, races, genders, and veteran status to apply