How Much Do Paramedics Make?
$38,930median annual salary
$18.72/hour · $3,244/month · BLS Code: 29-2040
Paramedics provide advanced pre-hospital emergency medical care including medication administration, intubation, cardiac monitoring, and trauma management. They respond to 911 calls and transport patients to hospitals. The profession is physically and emotionally demanding with relatively modest pay compared to other healthcare roles.
Paramedic Salary at a Glance
Entry Level
$28,130
Starting salary
Median
$38,930
50th percentile
Senior Level
$59,860
Experienced professionals
Top 10%
$66,290
90th percentile
Salary Range
Salary by Experience Level
Top Paying States for Paramedics
#1
Washington
$67,600
#2
Hawaii
$63,240
#3
Maryland
$58,310
#4
California
$55,200
#5
Connecticut
$53,970
Top Paying Cities for Paramedics
Education & Requirements
Education
Postsecondary certificate or associate's degree in paramedicine; national and state certification
Typical Degree
Certificate or Associate's Degree
Certifications
Job Outlook
+5%
Projected Growth (2022-2032)
264,520
Total Employed
BLS Outlook Category
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Paramedic Salary FAQ
How much do paramedics make per year?
The median salary is about $38,930. This is notably low for a healthcare profession. However, paramedics in Washington state average $67,600, and fire department paramedics often earn significantly more than private ambulance paramedics.
Why are paramedics paid so little?
EMS has historically been underfunded compared to other emergency services. Many ambulance services rely on fee-for-service billing, which doesn't always cover costs. There is a growing movement to improve paramedic pay.
How long does it take to become a paramedic?
EMT-Basic training takes 3-6 months, followed by 1-2 years of paramedic-level training (1,200-1,800 hours of instruction plus clinical and field rotations).
Can paramedics make $100,000?
Yes, but it typically requires working in a high-paying area (Seattle, Hawaii), working extensive overtime, or transitioning to a fire department that cross-trains paramedic/firefighters.
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Read moreSalary data is based on BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, industry surveys, and widely-reported compensation benchmarks. Figures are approximate and vary by location, employer, experience, and market conditions. This is educational content — not career or financial advice.