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 $53,180 as of 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,520, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $79,430.  

Paramedic Salary by State

State	Annual Salary	Hourly Wage
Alabama	$44,540.00	$21.41
Alaska	$65,450.00	$31.47
Arizona	$49,600.00	$23.85
Arkansas	$45,720.00	$21.98
California	$64,400.00	$30.96
Colorado	$62,290.00	$29.95
Connecticut	$68,400.00	$32.89
Delaware	$61,510.00	$29.57
District of Columbia	$75,400.00	$36.25
Florida	$49,830.00	$23.96
Georgia	$49,360.00	$23.73
Hawaii	$75,500.00	$36.30
Idaho	$53,180.00	$25.57
Illinois	$53,820.00	$25.87
Indiana	$53,060.00	$25.51
Iowa	$49,930.00	$24.01
Kansas	$45,800.00	$22.02
Kentucky	$51,790.00	$24.90
Louisiana	$53,370.00	$25.66
Maine	$53,820.00	$25.87
Maryland	$63,020.00	$30.30
Massachusetts	$61,730.00	$29.68
Michigan	$47,800.00	$22.98
Minnesota	$65,160.00	$31.33
Mississippi	$49,630.00	$23.86
Missouri	$51,260.00	$24.64
Montana	$48,360.00	$23.25
Nebraska	$53,540.00	$25.74
Nevada	$58,600.00	$28.18
New Hampshire	$58,880.00	$28.31
New Jersey	$78,790.00	$37.88
New Mexico	$48,930.00	$23.53
New York	$63,650.00	$30.60
North Carolina	$48,170.00	$23.16
North Dakota	$55,990.00	$26.92
Ohio	$48,120.00	$23.14
Oklahoma	$46,610.00	$22.41
Oregon	$70,590.00	$33.94
Pennsylvania	$51,050.00	$24.54
Puerto Rico	$23,660.00	$11.38
Rhode Island	$58,580.00	$28.16
South Carolina	$49,800.00	$23.94
South Dakota	$46,250.00	$22.24
Tennessee	$49,550.00	$23.82
Texas	$52,050.00	$25.02
Utah	$59,940.00	$28.82
Vermont	$48,590.00	$23.36
Virginia	$51,950.00	$24.98
Washington	$98,110.00	$47.17
West Virginia	$45,780.00	$22.01
Wisconsin	$55,180.00	$26.53
Wyoming	$50,900.00	$24.47

Via Bureau of Labor Statistics, Accessed 12 August 2024

Salary by Years of Experience

Payscale reports the following paramedic salary 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 Work Setting

According to the BLS, as of May 2023, the median annual wages for paramedics in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Industry	Annual Salary	Hourly Wage
State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals	$75,010	$36.06
Offices of Other Health Practitioners	$71,060	$34.17
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories	$65,160	$31.33
Management of Companies and Enterprises	$63,040	$30.31
Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals	$60,300	$28.99

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 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 18,100 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)

Registered Nurses average annual salary is $86,070 as of May 2023, according to the BLS. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $63,720, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $132,680.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Nurse Practitioners average annual salary is $126,260 as of May 2023, according to the BLS. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $94,530, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $168,030.

MRI Technician

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for MRI technologists was $83,740 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,470, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $112,420. 

Paramedic Salary FAQs 

• Who are the highest-paid paramedics?

  • According to the BLS, paramedics in general private medical and surgical hospitals can earn the highest salary. They earn an average annual salary of $44,780, but the top 10% of earners make $79,430 or more. 

• Do paramedics make 6 figures?

  • Paramedics rarely make six figures; however, working overtime, call shifts, off-shifts, and even a second job might allow paramedics to earn over six figures. Additionally, this is possible in higher-paying states. 

• Can you make a good living as a paramedic?

  • According to Payscale, paramedics can make a decent annual salary. The cost of living is important to consider when calculating average annual salaries. 

• Is being a paramedic a good career?

  • Yes, being a paramedic is a promising career. There are substantial growth opportunities and career opportunities. Like other careers in healthcare, paramedics are in high demand.