Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
O*NET 53-3011.00 · SOC 53-3011
Ambulance Driver is a risky career choice. Median pay is $35k a year with -1.3% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 1,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Transport non-emergency patients between medical facilities
- →Load and secure patients onto stretchers in the ambulance
- →Clean and restock the ambulance after each transport
- →Verify patient identity and destination before departure
- →Assist medical staff with moving patients into treatment areas
Education & How to Get In
Ambulance Driver roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Ambulance Driver involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Ambulance Driver?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Ambulance Driver Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians is projected to decline 1.3% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·33% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Ambulance Driver make?
The median Ambulance Driver earns $35k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Ambulance Driver jobs?
Our model puts Ambulance Driver at 43 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 33% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Ambulance Driver a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 1.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 1,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Ambulance Driver?
Most Ambulance Driver roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become an Ambulance Driver?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Ambulance Driver career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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