How to become an ambulance drivers and attendant, except emergency medical technicians

Drive ambulance or assist ambulance driver in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons. Assist in lifting patients.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians do

• Place patients on stretchers, and load stretchers into ambulances, usually with assistance from other attendants.
• Replace supplies and disposable items on ambulances.
• 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.
• Clean and wash rigs, ambulances, or equipment.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Writing
• Learning Strategies

Is ambulance drivers and attendant, except emergency medical technicians a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 30% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Connecticut $73,730
• Oregon $40,900
• Maryland $38,410
• North Dakota $37,690
• Utah $37,660

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.