FDNY EMS operates 37 stations across the five boroughs of New York City. That number includes both ambulance and specialized response units.
How many FDNY EMS are there?
FDNY EMS employs roughly 4,300 EMTs and paramedics and about 500 officers. Those figures reflect the full‑time staff on the city’s streets.
The union representing them is Local 2507 of AFSCME, and it handles everything from wages to health benefits. Those crew members man ambulances, run specialized response units, and even back fire‑inspection teams. In most cases, their joint effort ensures emergency‑medical coverage across all five boroughs (you’ll see them everywhere in the city).
How many EMS does NYC have?
NYC’s EMS system includes over 70 agencies across volunteer, proprietary, hospital‑based, and municipal sectors. That breadth gives the city a lot of flexibility.
Coordination happens via the Regional EMS Council of NYC, which enforces unified protocols. Because providers range from volunteers to private companies, redundancy and rapid coverage are built in—especially during large‑scale incidents. Generally, this diversity boosts the city’s already impressive emergency‑response capacity.
Does FDNY do EMS?
Yes, FDNY provides EMS services through its EMT, paramedic, and fire‑inspector personnel. That integration streamlines on‑scene operations.
EMS crews sit under the same command chain as fire units, which makes on‑scene integration almost automatic. Lately, their schedules have started to look a lot like those of firefighters and NYPD officers—consistency is the goal. Meanwhile, union leaders keep pushing for wage parity across the board (it’s a big talking point).
How much does FDNY EMS make?
FDNY EMS salaries start around $68,700 and can rise to $91,779 after 20 years of service. That range reflects step increases over a career.
Base pay follows the city’s collective bargaining agreement, and each step climbs with years on the job. On top of that, locality adjustments and overtime can boost total earnings. By contrast, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes the national median EMS salary sits near $55,000 as of 2024.
Why are EMTs paid so little?
EMTs often earn low wages because their pay scales are tied to municipal budgets and collective‑bargaining agreements that lag behind private‑sector rates. That mismatch can be frustrating.
A lot of EMTs pick up overtime or even a second job just to make ends meet, which says a lot about the modest base pay. Tight budgets and shifting political priorities often freeze public‑sector wages. Still, advocacy groups contend that compensation should match the physical risks and essential nature of the job (it’s a fair point).
How long are FDNY EMS shifts?
FDNY EMS staff typically work 48‑56 hours per week in 8‑hour, 10‑hour, or 24‑hour shift patterns. That schedule balances coverage with crew rest.
The length of each shift is designed to meet coverage demands while keeping fatigue in check. Once a 24‑hour tour wraps up, crew members normally get a 48‑hour break before the next stint. Behind the scenes, scheduling software at the FDNY dispatch center works to allocate crews as efficiently as possible.
What is top pay for FDNY?
The highest FDNY earnings reach about $96,500 annually, roughly $46 per hour. That figure is for the most senior staff.
Those numbers come from seniority, specialized qualifications, and overtime premiums. For context, the 75th‑percentile salary hovers around $61,000, and the average lands near $51,800. If you want to see the full tables, they’re posted on the NYC official website.
What is the busiest engine in FDNY?
Fire Station 9 is the busiest FDNY station, handling 33,380 calls in 2017, with Engine 57 ranking seventh. That workload reflects its Manhattan location.
Station 9’s call volume spikes because it sits in Midtown Manhattan, one of the city’s busiest commercial districts. Meanwhile, Engine 57—nicknamed “the Ladies’ Engine”—gets a lot of attention thanks to its iconic reputation and prime spot. Both units consistently beat citywide response‑time benchmarks.
Does FDNY work 24 hour shifts?
FDNY firefighters and many EMS personnel operate on a 24‑hour rotation, followed by a rest period. That pattern is common across the department.
The 24‑hour rotation lets crews stay on call continuously, then enjoy a solid recovery window. After a full day’s work, staff usually get 48 hours off before the next tour. In fact, this schedule mirrors national fire‑service standards.
Is EMS a good career?
EMS offers strong job growth, solid benefits, and the chance to help the community daily. That makes it an appealing path for many.
According to the CDC, the sector is set to add tens of thousands of jobs by 2026. Benefits typically cover health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance for further certifications. You can start as an EMT‑Basic, move up to Paramedic, and eventually aim for supervisory or medical director roles.
What is the age limit for FDNY?
Applicants must be 29 years old or younger at the time of entry. That rule applies to both fire and EMS tracks.
The rule covers both firefighter and EMS applicant pools. Occasionally, waivers slip through for veterans or folks with extensive relevant experience, though those are rare. If you’re thinking about applying, double‑check your eligibility on the FDNY recruitment portal.
What’s the difference between EMT and EMS?
EMS refers to the entire emergency medical services system, while EMT is a specific certification within that system. Think of EMS as the umbrella, EMT as one of the tools.
EMS covers everything from dispatch and ambulance ops to hospital ERs and medical oversight. An EMT delivers basic life‑support, while paramedics handle advanced interventions. Grasping this hierarchy clarifies both training needs and career paths.
How much does FDNY EMT get per hour?
FDNY EMTs earn about $18 per hour, with a range from $17 to $30. That range widens with experience and overtime.
Rates climb as EMTs rack up years of service, add specialty endorsements, or pull overtime. The base pay stems from the city’s labor contract, and night‑shift differentials can add extra dollars. When you stack these numbers against the national median—about $22 per hour—you see the local pay structure in context.
Are EMTs in demand?
National projections show about 37,400 new EMT and paramedic positions through 2026, a 15 % increase. That surge reflects growing healthcare needs.
The surge comes from an aging population, broader pre‑hospital care protocols, and a bigger focus on rapid response. Staffing shortages are common across many regions, which fuels faster hiring cycles. If you’re eyeing a spot, make sure your certifications line up with state‑specific requirements.
Are EMTs underpaid?
EMTs are generally considered underpaid relative to the physical demands and training required. That sentiment is shared by many in the field.
Even though EMTs play a vital role, their pay often trails comparable emergency‑service jobs. Advocacy groups argue that wage adjustments are needed to boost retention and morale. Consequently, policymakers are being urged to revisit budget allocations to close these gaps.
