Rafterman1 said:
I have some questions about T-EMS, I did some searching around on the net last night regarding TEMS and it looks like a decent place to work. What would a Paramedic level 1 salary be like? Actually im more interested in the cost of living out there? Will I make enough to live in the big city and not starve? ( i ask this because BCAS pays there rookies $2.00/hr pager pay at remote stations where your call volume is horrible - need a 2nd job to survive) Whats the average for a one bedroom suite to rent out your way? If someone could shed some light on this, that would be great.
Level 1 ( aka PCP / BLS ) base pay rate is $36.70 per hour.
You are paid 40 hours a week. Overtime is paid at time and a half.
You work 20 twelve hour shifts every six weeks. That averages out at 40 hours per week.
Add to that variable Shift Premium $2.00 hour. Stat Holdiays worked are triple time.
Special units like PSU, CBRN, ETF, FTO etc. get bonus pay. There is a meal allowance too. They even get "stress time" now. The benefits are good and are listed in the C.A. We used to bank our sick time, with a six month gratuity upon retirement. That still applies to current members. But recruits hired as of now go on a "plan" instead.
Best to read the Collective Agreement to understand how your earnings are calculated - above and beyond the base rate.
http://www.local416.org/files/file/City%20of%20Toronto%20-%20Expiry%20December%2031%202008.pdf
January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2011:
http://www.local416.org/files/file/63146-1%20%20Booklet.pdf
In 2008, the highest earning Level 1 made $114,834.80 in Salary plus $495.64 in Taxable Benefits.
There were other Level 1's on the 2008 Sunshine List.:
http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/publications/salarydisclosure/2009/munic09.html
( It shows one of our Supervisors made $221,447.12 and $714.21 in taxable benefits in 2008. )
The 2009 list will be released later this month.
Overtime is shared equally ( by those who want it ), not by seniority. That's a good thing for those who are low on seniority.
Your earnings will increase if you advance to Level 2, Level 3, CCTU or Supervisor/management. I suppose you read about the rank structure of the Chiefs.
Everyone is full-time ( 40 hours per week ) permanent. There have never been part-timers.
Our employer is The City of Toronto.
Indexed Pension:
http://www.omers.com/Assets/supplemental+plans/Supplemental+Plan+handbook.pdf
Sorry, I don't know how the cost of living compares to B.C.