1

Starting Emt Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU HAVE AMBULANCE, 911 DISPATCH OR EMT EXPERIENCE. Wages ranging from $25.50 ... Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person ...

Ambulance Dispatcher EMS

Brea, CA · On-site

$27 - $30.37/hr

PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU HAVE AMBULANCE, 911 DISPATCH OR EMT EXPERIENCE. Wages ranging from $25.50 ... Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person ...

Starting Emt information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$21

$29

How much do starting emt jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for starting emt in Riverside, CA is $21.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Starting Emt vs Emergency Medical Technician?

AspectStarting EmtEmergency Medical Technician
CertificationsBasic EMT certificationBasic EMT certification
Work EnvironmentAmbulances, emergency scenesAmbulances, emergency scenes
Job ResponsibilitiesBasic patient care, first responseAdvanced patient care, transport
Experience LevelEntry-level, new traineesEntry to mid-level

Starting Emt and Emergency Medical Technician are often used interchangeably, as both roles require similar certifications and work in emergency medical services. However, 'Starting Emt' typically refers to individuals just beginning their training or entry-level positions, while 'Emergency Medical Technician' is a broader term that can include more experienced practitioners. Both roles focus on providing essential pre-hospital care in emergency settings.

What can I expect during my first few months as a starting EMT, and how can I best prepare for the transition from training to real-world emergency response?

In your first few months as a starting EMT, you'll likely be paired with more experienced partners and exposed to a wide variety of medical emergencies, which can be both challenging and rewarding. You may encounter high-stress situations, irregular hours, and frequent changes in routine, so flexibility and strong communication skills are essential. To ease your transition, focus on building strong teamwork with your crew, seek feedback, and review protocols regularly. Taking initiative to ask questions and practice key skills will help you gain confidence and improve your patient care. Most importantly, remember that developing resilience and maintaining self-care habits are crucial for long-term success in this demanding field.

What is a starting EMT?

Starting EMTs, or Emergency Medical Technicians, are entry-level professionals trained to provide basic emergency medical care and transportation for patients in urgent situations. They are often the first responders at accident scenes and medical emergencies, assessing patients, providing life-saving interventions, and transporting them to medical facilities. Starting EMTs typically hold an EMT-Basic certification, which requires completion of a training program and passing a national or state exam. Their role is vital in the chain of emergency medical care, working closely with paramedics, firefighters, and other first responders.

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

To thrive as a Starting EMT, you need foundational knowledge of emergency medical care, basic life support skills, and completion of a state-approved EMT training program with certification. Familiarity with ambulance equipment, patient transport devices, and electronic patient care reporting systems is common. Strong communication, calmness under pressure, and teamwork are essential soft skills for effectively assisting patients and collaborating with other responders. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure timely, safe, and effective care during emergency situations.
What are popular job titles related to Starting Emt jobs in Riverside, CA? For Starting Emt jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Starting Emt jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Starting Emt job openings:
Infographic showing various Starting Emt job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,277 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Ambulance Operator - EMT

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$20.77 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

481st of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Job ONLY THE FIRST 450 APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED Pre-posted for viewing starting Monday July 27, 2026 through August 2, 2026. Applications will only be accepted online starting at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, until 450 applications have been received or until 5:00 p.m

on Friday, August 14, 2026, whichever occurs first. The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District is accepting applications for Ambulance Operator - EMT. Under the direction of the assigned Captain or Supervisor, these positions are responsible for operating an ambulance, responding to medical aid calls, providing basic medical care to the ill and injured, and providing patient transport services.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS County Fire EMT's receive full benefits and a competitive annual salary range of $69,122.56 - $78,208.00 including built-in overtime pay. To review job-specific Benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits Memoranda of Understanding MOU For a more detailed job information, review the job description for Ambulance Operator EMT. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Health and Physical Condition: Persons seeking appointment to this classification must meet the safety, health, and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper for performance of the duties established by the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District

CPR Certification: Must possess and maintain a valid American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR card. State of California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification: Must possess and maintain a valid State of California EMT Certificate card. Travel/Driver License: A valid California Class C Driver License is required to carry out the essential job-related functions of this position.

Proof of automobile liability insurance must be maintained. Mileage reimbursement may be available. Background: Applicants will be fingerprinted and must pass a thorough background investigation which may include, but is not limited to, the following: fingerprinting for a Department of Justice criminal background check, DMV driving record check, military record check, reference checks, and review of prior employment history check.

An applicant may be automatically disqualified for misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of pertinent facts in the screening/selection/background check process. Job offers are made contingent upon passing a medical examination. Applicant must successfully pass a pre-employment drug test.

Failure to meet medical standards may result in the withdrawal of employment offer. Work Location: Applicants must be willing to work anywhere within San Bernardino County. Positions will primarily be located at County Fire Stations.

Dress Code: All new employees must adhere to the provisions of the County Fire and Special Districts Dress Code, which prohibits visible tattoos. Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform during high stress situations. Must possess the strength and stamina sufficient to lift and carry equipment and individuals.

Must be able to work in a variety of environmental conditions. Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future. Minimum Requirements Applicants must meet all of the following requirements: Possess and maintain a CA EMT1 certification or greater OR a NREMT EMT-1 Certification, or greater.

Possess and maintain a valid American Heart Association OR American Red Cross CPR Card and must be attached to your application. Note: Applicants must submit a high-quality copy of all required licenses and certifications with the application in order to be considered for this position. Desired Qualifications The department seeks candidates with excellent interpersonal skills who are able to deal effectively with persons who are ill/injured and under duress.

Candidates must be able to remain calm under pressure, work well in a team environment, and maintain a high level of integrity. Selection Process Examination: There will be an in person proctored written exam based on National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) to evaluate candidate's knowledge and skills. Exam Scheduled for September 14-16, 2026.

Application Procedure: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by the deadline. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire. To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application.

Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the closing of this recruitment. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records.

Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application we have not received your application. If you require technical assistance, please follow this link to review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer or browser used to submit the application.

All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment. Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information.

Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment. EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.

Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy. For more important details, review the Applicant Information and County Employment Process.


What San Bernardino County employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom