EMS Career Benefits | Sussex County, DE Department of Public Safety

Benefits That Support a Career

A career with Sussex County EMS is more than a paycheck. Our compensation and benefits are designed to provide employees with stability today while helping them build a long-term career and prepare for the future. From competitive pay and comprehensive healthcare to paid leave, education benefits, and a defined-benefit pension, Sussex County provides a benefits package that supports our employees and their families throughout their careers and into retirement.

Pension & Retirement

One of the most significant benefits of a career with Sussex County is the County’s defined-benefit pension.

Employees contribute 5% and become vested after eight years of service.

The pension provides 50% of salary after 25 years of service and 60% after 30 years of service.

Health benefits continue following retirement until the employee becomes eligible for Medicare upon which the benefits become secondary (spouses included).

Employees can also supplement their pension through a 457 deferred compensation plan available through Nationwide, providing another opportunity to save for retirement throughout their careers.

Education & Additional Benefits

Sussex County also invests directly in employees who want to continue developing professionally.

Employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement of 75% of the cost of a course, up to $1,500 per fiscal year. The County also provides education bonuses, reimbursement for critical-care certifications, and paid training.

All uniforms are supplied, including Class A uniforms, and training is paid. Employees also have opportunities to participate in specialty teams and committees, providing additional avenues for involvement and professional growth.

Compensation

Sussex County EMS provides competitive compensation with opportunities for employees to increase their earnings as they gain experience, education, and time in the profession.

Starting base salary: $62,356 annually
Starting hourly rate: $28.55
- Based on a 42-hour work week
Degree Increases
- Associate degree: 2.5% education increase
- Bachelor’s: 5% education increase
- Master’s degree: 5% education increase
Paramedic experience: 1% additional bonus for each year of approved paramedic experience, up to 5%
Annual performance/merit increases
Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) when fiscally possible

Paid Time Off

The benefits package provides substantial paid leave throughout the year. Employees accrue:

15 hours of sick leave per month
15 hours of vacation leave per month
15 hours of holiday leave per month
- Holiday bank payout opportunities yearly

That equals 45 hours of leave accrued each month across the three leave categories, before considering the additional holiday bank payout benefit.

Health & Insurance Benefits

Sussex County provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees and their families, with employee premiums paid on a biweekly basis. For FY2027, employees may choose between Silver and Gold medical plans, allowing them to select the level of coverage that best fits their needs.

Dental

Effective January 1, 2026

Employee Only: $3.23 per paycheck
Employee + 1: $6.92 per paycheck
Employee + 2 or More: $13.85 per paycheck

Vision

Effective January 1, 2026

Employee Only: $1.85 per paycheck
Employee + 1: $3.69 per paycheck
Employee + 2 or More: $7.39 per paycheck