Paramedic Salary
by City (2026)
Provide advanced emergency medical care to patients in pre-hospital settings. National median: $50K/year. See how your city compares.
Paramedic salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $50K Paramedic salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βParamedic Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Paramedic is $50,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $38,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $65,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Paramedics nationally earn $82,000+.
Education and requirements
Paramedic certification; EMT-P license. This role is 2% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Paramedic compensation is growing at 3.2% annually, above the national average wage growth rate.
Paramedic salary FAQ
How much does a Paramedic make?
The median Paramedic salary in the US is $50,000 per year β about $24/hour. Most earn between $38,000 (25th percentile) and $65,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Paramedic?
Entry-level Paramedic positions typically start around $38,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Paramedics earn?
The top 10% of Paramedics earn $82,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Paramedics the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Paramedic salary at $70K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Paramedic salaries going up?
Yes β Paramedic pay is growing about 3.2% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.