Ambulance drivers and attendants transport patients to medical facilities and provide basic care during transport. The work is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school diploma. Here is what the job involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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You operate ambulances and other emergency vehicles to get patients to hospitals and medical centers safely. You assist patients by helping them into the vehicle, monitoring their condition during transport, and documenting what you observe. You inspect equipment and vehicles before and after each run to make sure everything works. You communicate with dispatchers, hospital staff, and the public. You follow safety protocols and traffic laws while driving in all conditions. The role requires both mechanical skill and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians earn a median of $35,450 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 1,400 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. You will need a valid driver's license and a clean driving record. Many employers provide on-the-job training in vehicle operation, patient handling, and safety procedures. Some roles may require certification or licensing depending on your location and employer. You should be prepared to learn customer service skills, public safety protocols, and basic medical knowledge. Starting as an ambulance driver is a common entry point into the broader emergency services field.
Most ambulance drivers start with a high school diploma and on-the-job training, though some pursue additional certifications to advance. If you are deciding what path fits your timeline and goals, Pathly can map the ambulance driver and attendant, except emergency medical technician path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build a plan that works for you.
You do not need a license to work as an ambulance driver and attendant, except emergency medical technician, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are practical and hands-on, comfortable working with vehicles and equipment. You stay focused on real-world problems and prefer direct, concrete tasks over abstract thinking.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).