domino22

You have to factor all costs in and not just hourly/yearly wage. For instance, you can easily make $70k in California or Hawaii, but a 2 bedroom shack will cost you 1/2 a million dollars, and all other costs will be higher: taxes, groceries, etc... Typically, the cost of living in the south is much cheaper, so you have to consider that in your thinking. I know that North Carolina used to have a large volunteer base in their EMS industry, so it wouldnt surprise me if wages are supressed. I have a friend who works in Atlanta, and he claims there are atleast two employers who start medics in the low 50s to high 60s as their base pay, so obviously overtime would easily put you over 70.

Second piece of advice : Dont work EMS jobs for 80-100 hours per week. You could get a job providing sex to supermodels, but if you did it 100 hours per week, you would get tired of it. Same is true for EMS. Look for something different on your off days, even if it is still medical (ER tech).

I've spoken with a few human resources reps, and looked at the different pay scales on the different postings, but usually that is not representative of what is actually being made whether be it higher or lower. For instance, on my benefits package it states I make 45k a year when in reality with the inherent overtime plus additional shifts, I make well over that. So I was just trying to get to the "down and dirty" from a medic on a box as to what their actual paychecks are like.

Thanks again,

TBS

Anything is possible.

Your definition of overtime is loose at best, I know medics locally in NYC who make 165K a year but they work 4 jobs and 120-130 hours a week (and we're a posted ambulance on a street corner not fire based no down time, not supposed to sleep while in the ambulance either.) .. Are you talking that type of overtime ? Or are you talking pulling 1 extra shift every other week?

Salary.com information on Medic Salary for charlotte NC

IT estimates a net of approximately 1055 bi weekly.

Thanks for the reply. To be more specific, on a hypothetical basis, let's say on 24's 7 shifts every 2 weeks, and if on 10's or 12's, 2 extra shifts a week.

Thanks,

TBS

Bottom line, is it possible to make 75k + a year as a medic in North Carolina with overtime if starting at the top of the pay scale based on experience in some areas? My wife would like to stay home with the kids.

Thanks,

TBS

I too am looking at relocating to NC from Sol. Cal.. I currently work as a flight medic, but really would like to work on the ground again with a well respected and progressive 3rd service agency that will not be overtaken by the fire dept. I am glad I found this forum as everyone is supportive of each other, positive, and willing to share info in a non competitive manner. If anyone can be more specific from a street medic's perspective about MEDIC in Charlotte regarding pay (hourly rates), shift start/end times, overtime opportunities, and overall contentment within the agency I would very much appreciate it. Thank you in advance for your replies.

TBS