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First Responder Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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First Responder Sales Representative

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$100K - $336K/yr

Responsibilities: · Develop and maintain a comprehensive knowledge of products offered · Establish and maintain relationships with key personnel in First Responder agencies · Deliver scripted ...

Axon

Director of Sales, Majors Air

Chicago, IL · Remote

Axon is rapidly expanding its Drone as First Responder (DFR) platform and counter-drone aerial security ecosystem, enabling public safety agencies to deploy drones that autonomously launch, arrive on ...

Axon

Director of Sales, Majors Air

Chicago, IL · Remote

Axon is rapidly expanding its Drone as First Responder (DFR) platform and counter-drone aerial security ecosystem, enabling public safety agencies to deploy drones that autonomously launch, arrive on ...

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First Responder information

See Illinois salary details

$5

$18

$19

How much do first responder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for first responder in Illinois is $18.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first responder?

First responders are professionals who are among the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency, such as accidents, natural disasters, or medical crises. This group typically includes police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics. Their primary role is to assess the situation, provide immediate care or intervention, and ensure the safety of those involved until further help arrives or the situation is under control. First responders are highly trained to handle high-pressure situations and often play a crucial role in saving lives and minimizing harm.

What do first responders do?

A first responder is an umbrella term for the first medically trained person to arrive on the scene of a medical emergency, accident, or other issue of public safety, such as an earthquake. This title usually includes police officers, firefighters, or EMTs. As a first responder, your primary responsibilities are to quickly and competently assess a situation and determine what other EMTs, police officers, or firefighters need to know when they arrive. You provide initial rescue or first aid care, but unless you are an EMT, you save more advanced medical care for when the ambulance arrives. In other words, a firefighter may provide CPR to an accident victim, but they stop when the more qualified first responder can take over.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first responder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Responder, you need expertise in emergency medical care, crisis assessment, and lifesaving procedures, often backed by EMT or paramedic certification. Familiarity with emergency communication systems, rescue equipment, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Strong decision-making, composure under pressure, and effective teamwork set outstanding First Responders apart. These abilities are crucial for delivering rapid, coordinated, and effective responses during emergencies, directly impacting safety and survival outcomes.

What are some common challenges first responders face during multi-agency emergency situations?

First Responders often encounter challenges related to communication and coordination when working alongside multiple agencies, such as police, fire, and EMS teams. Differences in protocols, equipment, and terminology can lead to confusion or delays in response. To address these challenges, First Responders participate in joint training exercises and use standardized communication systems to ensure everyone is aligned during emergencies. Adaptability, teamwork, and a clear understanding of roles are essential skills for navigating these complex scenarios effectively.

What is the difference between First Responder vs Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?

AspectFirst ResponderEmergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Required CertificationsBasic First Aid, CPR, and often Emergency Response trainingState-specific EMT certification, CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentEmergency scenes, accident sites, public safety eventsAmbulances, hospitals, emergency scenes
Employer & Industry UsagePublic safety agencies, fire departments, policeAmbulance services, hospitals, EMS agencies

First Responders are trained to provide initial emergency care and scene safety, often before EMTs arrive. EMTs have more advanced medical training and can provide a wider range of pre-hospital care. Both roles are vital in emergency response, but EMTs typically have more specialized medical skills and certifications.

What qualifications do I need to be a first responder?

To become a first responder, individuals typically need to complete emergency medical training such as CPR and first aid certification, and obtain relevant certifications like Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic licensure. Additionally, they must meet age, background check, and physical fitness requirements set by their state or employer.
More about First Responder jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of First Responder jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of First Responder jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to First Responder jobs in Illinois?

For First Responder jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Responder jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for First Responder jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for First Responder jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most First Responder job openings:

What are popular job titles related to First Responder jobs in IL?

For First Responder jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

First Responder jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Responder job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% As Needed, 74% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,760 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

First Responder Therapist

Normal, IL • On-site

The Mental Wellness Center, Inc
See more jobs at The Mental Wellness Center, Incexternal

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 hours ago

Job description

Licensed Therapist (LPC/LCPC/LMFT/AMFT/LSW/LCSW)
Join a Growing Group Practice: First Responder Program Opportunity
Position Type: Full-time or Part-time
Compensation: Hourly + Paid Administrative Time
Supervision: Provided
Location: Central Illinois & Hybrid
About Our Practice
We are an established, growing group therapy practice expanding into a new location to serve our community better. As we grow, we are looking to bring on motivated, compassionate clinicians who want to be part of a supportive and collaborative environment.
Our practice is built on the belief that clinicians thrive when they are supported both clinically and operationally. We've developed strong systems so you can focus on client care while still having opportunities for professional growth.
About the Role
We are hiring licensed clinicians to support general outpatient services as well as a specialized First Responder Program.
This role is ideal for clinicians who:
  • Want strong supervision and mentorship
  • Prefer the stability of hourly compensation (including admin time)
  • Are interested in working with or learning to support first responders (police, fire, EMS, dispatchers, etc.)
  • Value being part of a team during an exciting growth phase
  • Has experience with trauma work and stabilization

What You'll Do
  • Provide individual, couples, and/or family therapy
  • Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation
  • Participate in supervision and team consultation
  • Support clients within general caseloads and/or the First Responder Program

You will be encouraged, but not required, to participate in marketing efforts, such as:
  • Networking or community outreach
  • Developing a clinical niche
  • Contributing to content or workshops

We support you in building your professional identity, without making it a requirement.
First Responder Program (Highlight)
We are expanding services for first responders, providing specialized, culturally competent care for:
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Burnout and chronic stress
  • Relationship and family challenges

Clinicians with interest or experience in this population are strongly encouraged to apply. Training and support will be provided.
What We Provide
  • Hourly pay plus compensation for administrative time
  • Weekly clinical supervision (group) for licensure
  • Steady referral stream to build your caseload
  • Administrative support (scheduling, billing, intake)
  • Established systems and EHR
  • Collaborative, team-oriented environment
  • Opportunity to grow with a scaling practice

Ideal Candidate
  • Provisionally licensed (LSW, LCSW, LCPC, LPC, AMFT, LMFT)
  • Interested in working with first responders (experience a plus, not required)
  • Interest in trauma-informed care is strongly preferred
  • Committed to clinical growth and ongoing learning
  • Organized, reliable, and client-centered
  • Open to feedback, supervision, and collaboration

Compensation & Growth
  • Competitive hourly compensation with paid admin time
  • Clear pathway toward full licensure and role advancement within the practice
  • Opportunities to develop specialties, including work within the First Responder Program

Why Join Us?
  • Be part of a growing practice expanding into a new location
  • Receive consistent pay with admin time included (rare and highly valued)
  • Gain experience in a specialty program (first responders)
  • Grow within a practice that prioritizes support, not just productivity
  • Eligible for PTO and Retirement

How to Apply
Please submit:
  • Resume
  • Brief cover letter describing your clinical interests and populations you enjoy working with

Apply