How Difficult Is Getting an EMT Job in California?
My Honest Experience
When I first decided to pursue a career as an EMT in California, I thought it would be straightforward. Get certified, apply to a few places, and boom – I’d be riding in an ambulance saving lives. Boy, was I in for a reality check.
Let me be honest with you: getting an EMT job in California isn’t impossible, but it’s definitely not as easy as I initially thought. The competition is fierce, the requirements are strict, and the process can be frustrating. But here’s the thing – it’s absolutely doable if you know what you’re getting into.
The Reality of the California EMT Job Market
California has one of the most competitive EMT job markets in the country, and I learned this the hard way. There are thousands of newly certified EMTs graduating from programs every year, all competing for the same entry-level positions. In Los Angeles County alone, I was competing with hundreds of other applicants for each opening.
The first thing that hit me was just how many people want to become EMTs here. California has some of the highest EMT salaries in the nation – we’re talking $16 to $25+ per hour, depending on the county and company. That’s significantly better than most other states, so naturally, everyone wants in. Plus, many people see EMT jobs as a stepping stone to nursing, medical school, or fire department positions, which intensifies the competition.
I remember sending out my first batch of applications and feeling pretty confident. I had my California EMT certification, my NREMT card, my CPR certification – everything I needed on paper. But after two weeks of silence, I began to realise that having just the basic qualifications wouldn’t cut it.
What Makes It Challenging
The biggest challenge I faced was the experience paradox. Every EMT job I applied to in California wanted 6 months to a year of experience, but how was I supposed to get it if no one would hire me without it? It felt like being stuck in an endless loop.
Private ambulance companies dominate the California EMT scene, especially in Southern California. Companies like AMR, Falck, and Care Ambulance are the main employers, and they receive constant applications. I applied to AMR three times before I finally got a callback, and even then I had to go through multiple rounds of interviews and testing.
Another thing that caught me off guard was the background check and hiring process. California doesn’t mess around with this stuff. My background check took almost six weeks, and during that time, I was just waiting and hoping nothing would come up that would disqualify me. They check everything – your driving record, criminal history, employment history, and even your social media. I had a friend who got passed over because of some questionable posts from years ago.
The physical agility test was another hurdle. I thought I was in decent shape, but lifting and moving a 175-pound dummy up and down stairs while being timed was exhausting. Some companies have you do this before they’ll even consider your application. I trained for two weeks specifically for this test, and I’m glad I did because I barely passed on my first attempt.
Where You Live Matters A LOT
Here’s something crucial I learned: your location in California makes a massive difference. Getting an EMT job in California varies widely depending on which county you’re in.
In the Bay Area, particularly San Francisco and the surrounding counties, the competition is absolutely brutal. I have friends up there who applied to 30+ companies before getting a single interview. The cost of living is so high that companies can be extremely selective, knowing people need the work.
Los Angeles County is similar – tons of competition, but at least there are more companies and more positions available. I actually had better luck in LA than I expected, probably because the sheer volume of calls means they’re always hiring.
But here’s the secret that changed everything for me: rural counties. When I expanded my search to include places like Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern County, and the Central Valley, I suddenly started getting callbacks. These areas are desperate for EMTs. The pay might be slightly lower, but the cost of living is too, and more importantly, you can actually get hired and start building that crucial experience.
I ended up taking my first EMT job in San Bernardino County with a smaller private ambulance company. Was it my dream job? Not exactly. We did a lot of interfacility transports – moving patients between hospitals and nursing homes – which isn’t the exciting 911 emergency response I had envisioned. But it got my foot in the door, and that’s what mattered.
What Actually Helped Me Get Hired
After going through this process, I can tell you exactly what made the difference for me in landing EMT jobs in California.
First, I got my NREMT certification instead of just the state cert. This made me eligible to work in multiple counties without having to jump through extra hoops, and employers definitely noticed it on my resume. It shows you’re serious about the profession.
Second, I volunteered. I spent three months volunteering with my local fire department’s community emergency response team. It wasn’t paid, but it gave me something to put on my resume besides my clinical rotations. When interviewers asked about my experience, I could talk about real situations I’d encountered, even if they were in a volunteer capacity.
Third, I applied EVERYWHERE. And I mean everywhere. I didn’t just apply to the big-name companies in the cities I wanted to work in. I applied to small companies, rural service providers, event medical companies, and even positions slightly outside my comfort zone. I probably sent out 50+ applications in total.
Fourth, I worked on my interview skills. The first few interviews I did were rough. I was nervous, gave short answers, and didn’t sell myself well. I started practicing with friends, researching common EMT interview questions, and preparing stories about my training experiences. By my fifth interview, I felt confident and professional, and that’s when offers started coming in.
Fifth, and this is huge – I was flexible with my schedule. When companies asked if I could work nights, weekends, and holidays, I said yes without hesitation. Entry-level EMTs in California who are willing to work the less desirable shifts have a much easier time getting hired. Once you’re in and have some experience, you can start being pickier about your schedule.
The Timeline Reality
From the day I got my California EMT certification to the day I started my first shift, it took me four months. Four months of applications, rejections, interviews, background checks, and waiting. Some of my classmates got hired within weeks, while others took six months or more.
The hiring process itself is slow. Even after you get a job offer, you’re looking at 4-8 weeks for background checks, drug screening, physical exams, and orientation. Some companies do group orientations, so you might have to wait for the next scheduled class. It’s frustrating when you just want to start working, but that’s the reality.
Is It Worth the Struggle?
Now that I’ve been working as an EMT in California for over a year, I can say yes, it was absolutely worth the struggle. That first job in San Bernardino gave me the experience I needed. After nine months, I was able to transfer to a 911 position with a better company in Orange County, which is what I really wanted all along.
The pay here is genuinely good compared to other states. I’m making about $22 an hour now, with overtime opportunities that can push me over $60,000 a year. That’s solid money for someone with less than two years of experience and no college degree.
More importantly, the experience you get as an EMT in California is invaluable. We run so many calls – everything from minor injuries to major traumas, cardiac arrests, overdoses, psychiatric emergencies – you name it. The volume and variety of experience you get here is hard to match anywhere else in the country.
My Advice If You’re Trying to Break In
If you’re trying to get an EMT job in California right now, here’s what I’d tell you based on my experience:
Be patient but persistent. Don’t get discouraged after the first dozen rejections. Everyone goes through this. Keep applying, keep following up, and keep improving your resume and interview skills.
Consider starting in a less competitive area. You don’t have to stay there forever, but getting that first year of experience somewhere will open doors everywhere else. I know people who started in rural areas and now work for prestigious fire departments in major cities.
Network like crazy. Join California EMT Facebook groups, connect with people on LinkedIn, and go to EMS conferences if you can. I got my second job through someone I met at a continuing education class. This industry is all about who you know.
Get additional certifications if you can afford it. ACLS, PALS, and PHTLS certifications set you apart. Even something like a defensive driving course shows you’re serious and proactive.
Be willing to start with IFT (interfacility transport) even if you want 911. I know it’s not glamorous, but it’s how most of us start. You’ll learn patient assessment, documentation, and how to handle the physical demands of the job. Plus, you’ll get comfortable driving an ambulance, which is harder than it looks.
Keep your driving record clean. This is non-negotiable. Any accidents, tickets, or violations in the past few years can disqualify you from many positions. If you have some issues on your record, wait until they fall off before applying.
The Bottom Line
So, how difficult is getting an EMT job in California? It’s challenging, especially in major metropolitan areas, and especially for brand-new EMTs with no experience. The competition is real, the process is slow, and you’ll probably face some rejection along the way.
But difficult doesn’t mean impossible. Thousands of people become EMTs in California every year, and with the right approach, preparation, and attitude, you can absolutely be one of them. The key is understanding what you’re up against, being strategic about where and how you apply, and staying persistent even when it gets frustrating.
Looking back, those four months of struggle taught me resilience and determination – qualities that have served me well in this career. Every shift I work now, I remember how hard I fought to get here, and it makes me appreciate the opportunity even more.
If this is really what you want to do, don’t let the difficulty scare you off. Put in the work, stay focused, and keep pushing forward. Your first EMT job in California might not be your dream position, but it’s the first step on a path that can lead to an incredibly rewarding career in emergency medicine.
Trust me, when you’re finally riding in that ambulance responding to your first real emergency, all the struggle will have been worth it.