Jump to content

Big Bucks for Basics


FireResq617

Recommended Posts

$9.50 might be acceptable for a "newbie" but it's still not a living wage, especially after taxes.

I've been a basic for 12 years (as of June) currently living in Vegas, working for a casino security department. While the casino I work for doesn't require a EMT license, all the guys are trained as first responders. When I was hired 3 years ago, my EMT was a factor in the LT hiring me. It's been an unwritten policy since I was hired that I call the shots on the scene of any medical call, and the other officers are to defer to my judgement. It hasn't been a problem at all with my coworkers.

My current rate of pay is $15.65, with full benefits paid. Not bad for a basic.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 119
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I've heard that the cost of living has gotten pretty brutal in Vegas over the last decade. Can you confirm that? At least they have no state income tax, but neither do we in Texas. And I can't imagine living above poverty at $15 dollars an hour, especially with a family.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

$9.50 might be acceptable for a "newbie" but it's still not a living wage, especially after taxes.

I've been a basic for 12 years (as of June) currently living in Vegas, working for a casino security department. While the casino I work for doesn't require a EMT license, all the guys are trained as first responders. When I was hired 3 years ago, my EMT was a factor in the LT hiring me. It's been an unwritten policy since I was hired that I call the shots on the scene of any medical call, and the other officers are to defer to my judgement. It hasn't been a problem at all with my coworkers.

My current rate of pay is $15.65, with full benefits paid. Not bad for a basic.

wow nice rate! My company starts at $9.50 I believe, im up to almost $11 an hour, sadly been here 6 1/2 years though

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Although not EMS, my company has a different philosophy from any ambulance service I ever worked for, we start at $17 per hour, (which is a good starting wage) and during the employee's probationary period, and learning thier job,the employee should be starting to be worth it, after which there is an generous increase.

We reciently had an employee fail to make his probation, through lack of aptitude and inattention to detail.

Through experience, the company has learned that in our field, mechanics are not easy to find (competent ones), and it does what it can to retain them.

The licence merely means that they have a theoretical knowledge, and are, in theory, trainable. It is the specialized skills and knowledge that they acquire that make them a valuable commodity to the company.

EMTDON970 used his EMT as a way into a related field as a useful skill, but it is difficult to find that niche working as an EMT only and be rewarded for your time and work.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yep. Supply and demand. When you have a dozen schools cranking out hundreds of new, wide-eyed EMTs who are more than happy to work for free just for the chance to play with the siren and get on an FD waiting list, there is no way wages will ever go up.

Just like the airline industry! :oops:

Brand new 20ish y/o pilots within minimal training seeking out the big shiny jet jobs for a minimal amount of money. Some even PAY for the opportunity to fly a turbine aircraft. It amazes me the low levels people will stoop to just to get what they want. Professional work ethic is a dying trait.................................

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello City,

As an operations manager, I have been giving alot of thought to the average starting pay for Basic's. I recently have been given the responsiblity of recruiting EMT-B's and just trying to get an idea on if our starting pay is competitive. Currently, we start basic's at $9.50/hr that includes benefits. It is my understanding that there are many services that do not offer benefits. What do you all think....excellent, average, bad.... are we being competitive?

PLEASE HELP!

NREMT-P/FFII

Thats damn good for a basic. It's only .80 less than what I make as a medic.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

True, and especially true of places like Boeing. where if you are not there to do your job, there is always someone else. Low skill levels at places like Boeing make sure that employees are able to be easily replaced.

I needed to make some sacrifices including working for a general aviation FBO for 2 years while doing security, and moving out of the LA area, but I always viewed it as a step toward a decient job, and not an end.

It was a big step since I had only worked as an EMT, and at the time I decided to change, aerospace was in the tank.

Sometimes you need to be willing to take an up or out attitude if your field does not give you what you need to have a good life.

________________________________________________________________________

Just like the airline industry! :oops:

Brand new 20ish y/o pilots within minimal training seeking out the big shiny jet jobs for a minimal amount of money. Some even PAY for the opportunity to fly a turbine aircraft. It amazes me the low levels people will stoop to just to get what they want. Professional work ethic is a dying trait.................................

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...
This thread is quite old. Please consider starting a new thread rather than reviving this one.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...