Paramedic Salary Guide
How Much Does a Paramedic Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual paramedic salary is $58,410 as of May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,130, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $82,420.
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Paramedic Salary by State
| State | Hourly Median Wage | Annual Median Wage |
| Alabama | $21.64 | $45,020 |
| Alaska | $32.85 | $68,330 |
| Arizona | $24.45 | $50,860 |
| Arkansas | $21.98 | $45,710 |
| California | $34.70 | $72,180 |
| Connecticut | $36.25 | $75,400 |
| Delaware | $29.83 | $62,040 |
| District of Columbia | $38.92 | $80,950 |
| Florida | $28.30 | $58,860 |
| Georgia | $24.87 | $51,740 |
| Idaho | $30.11 | $62,640 |
| Illinois | $28.42 | $59,110 |
| Indiana | $28.01 | $58,260 |
| Iowa | $25.71 | $53,470 |
| Kansas | $23.60 | $49,090 |
| Kentucky | $22.91 | $47,650 |
| Louisiana | $24.42 | $50,800 |
| Maine | $28.75 | $59,800 |
| Maryland | $32.54 | $67,670 |
| Massachusetts | $30.77 | $64,010 |
| Michigan | $24.19 | $50,320 |
| Minnesota | $32.69 | $68,000 |
| Mississippi | $24.66 | $51,290 |
| Missouri | $26.73 | $55,600 |
| Montana | $23.73 | $49,360 |
| Nebraska | $26.04 | $54,170 |
| Nevada | $29.00 | $60,320 |
| New Hampshire | $29.11 | $60,540 |
| New Jersey | $38.51 | $80,100 |
| New Mexico | $24.20 | $50,340 |
| New York | $31.93 | $66,420 |
| North Carolina | $24.57 | $51,110 |
| North Dakota | $28.82 | $59,950 |
| Ohio | $23.06 | $47,960 |
| Oklahoma | $23.02 | $47,890 |
| Oregon | $35.28 | $73,380 |
| Pennsylvania | $27.73 | $57,670 |
| Puerto Rico | $13.07 | $27,180 |
| Rhode Island | $30.54 | $63,530 |
| South Carolina | $24.10 | $50,130 |
| South Dakota | $23.11 | $48,070 |
| Tennessee | $25.42 | $52,860 |
| Texas | $25.94 | $53,960 |
| Utah | $30.49 | $63,430 |
| Vermont | $25.49 | $53,010 |
| Virginia | $28.16 | $58,570 |
| Washington | $48.45 | $100,780 |
| West Virginia | $23.17 | $48,190 |
| Wisconsin | $26.93 | $56,010 |
| Wyoming | $29.62 | $61,600 |
Via Bureau of Labor Statistics, Accessed 8 July 2025
Salary by Years of Experience
Payscale reports the following paramedic salaries by experience as the following:
- Less than 1 years of experience earn an average hourly salary of $18.20
- 1-4 years of experience earn an average hourly salary of $20.36
- 5-9 years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $21.39
- 10-19 years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $22.94
- 20+ years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $25.17
Salary by Workplace
Your salary as a paramedic may change depending on your workplace. In May 2024, the BLS reported the top 5 highest-paying fields for paramedics as follows:
| Workplace | Annual Salary |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | $59,840 |
| Offices of physicians | $59,370 |
| General medical and surgical hospitals; private | $58,780 |
| Ambulance services | $57,720 |
| General medical and surgical hospitals; local | $52,990 |
Gain the industry knowledge and transferable skills you need to make a difference in people’s health and well-being at Rasmussen University. Our Health Sciences programs and training help you take the next step in becoming the professional you were meant to be. Enrollment: Nationwide South University has the focused degree programs, personalized support, and subject matter expertise you need to make your goals a reality. Here you can develop the skills and knowledge to pursue a new career or enhance your existing one while learning from an experienced faculty. Enrollment: Nationwide Gain the healthcare, IT, and business skills required by employers in today’s technology-driven health care system. Study the medical terminology and reimbursement methodologies you need to know and prepare for industry certification exams. Enrollment: Nationwide Jump-start your healthcare career with Penn Foster's flexible and affordable online diploma and certificate programs. Whether you're drawn to Medical Coding, Medical or Dental Assisting, Office Administration, or another healthcare program, you'll benefit from self-paced coursework, interactive digital resources, and personalized support—all designed to help you gain industry-ready skills on your schedule. Enrollment: NationwidePopular Online Healthcare Programs
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How to Make More Money as a Paramedic
If you’re interested in increasing your earnings potential as a paramedic, you have several good options. These include:
Negotiation
This might be uncomfortable for some paramedics but is one of the most effective methods of getting an increase in pay. Paramedics with experience and increased levels of training will find an easier time negotiating for a higher salary.
The key to an effective negotiation is to do your research. Ensure you know what other facilities in your area are paying for people with your qualifications.
Overtime
Paramedics who work overtime are entitled to increased pay for their additional work hours. Generally, this is considered time and a half pay. In most cases, this means working over 40 hours a week.
The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that all "non-exempt" employees receive overtime pay equal to one-and-one-half times their regular rate of pay for every hour over 40 hours worked during a work week.
Per Diem or Contract Employment
Per diem and contract employees earn a higher wage than staff members. They are paid a premium for working less desirable shifts and having shifts canceled at any given time.
Per diem employees are not offered guaranteed hours so remember that a paycheck most likely will not be consistent.
Hazard Pay
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, hazard pay means “additional pay for performing a hazardous duty or work involving physical hardship.” It may also include work duty that causes “extreme physical discomfort and distress.”
Is Becoming a Paramedic Worth it?
Becoming a paramedic is a highly demanded career. According to the BLS, the job market for paramedics is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 19,200 openings for paramedics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. This figure also includes EMTs. According to U.S. News & World Report, becoming a paramedic is #23 in the Best Health Care Support Jobs.
You can learn more about how to become a paramedic with our comprehensive guide or by talking with an advisor at your local community college or trade school that offers paramedic training courses.
Salaries of Related Nursing Careers vs. Paramedics
- Registered Nurse (RN): In May 2024, the BLS reported the average RN salary as $93,600 per year, $45.00 per hour. Over the next decade, the career field will grow by 6% (Faster than average).
- Nurse Practitioner : In May 2024, the BLS reported the average NP salary as $129,210 per year. Over the next decade, the career field will grow by 40% (Much faster than average).
- MRI Technician: In May 2024, the BLS reported the average MRI tech salary as $88,180 per year or $42.40 per hour. Over the next decade, the career field will grow by 8% (Faster than average).
Popular Online Healthcare Programs
Gain the industry knowledge and transferable skills you need to make a difference in people’s health and well-being at Rasmussen University. Our Health Sciences programs and training help you take the next step in becoming the professional you were meant to be.
CCNE
Online
Enrollment: Nationwide
South University has the focused degree programs, personalized support, and subject matter expertise you need to make your goals a reality. Here you can develop the skills and knowledge to pursue a new career or enhance your existing one while learning from an experienced faculty.
Online
SACSCOC
Enrollment: Nationwide
Gain the healthcare, IT, and business skills required by employers in today’s technology-driven health care system. Study the medical terminology and reimbursement methodologies you need to know and prepare for industry certification exams.
Multiple
Online
Enrollment: Nationwide
Jump-start your healthcare career with Penn Foster's flexible and affordable online diploma and certificate programs. Whether you're drawn to Medical Coding, Medical or Dental Assisting, Office Administration, or another healthcare program, you'll benefit from self-paced coursework, interactive digital resources, and personalized support—all designed to help you gain industry-ready skills on your schedule.
Online
DEAC
Enrollment: Nationwide
