Paramedic Salary 2025: Median Pay $60,600 and Career Outlook
The median paramedic salary in the U.S. is $60,600 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage is $63,360, equating to about $29 per hour. Pay ranges from $44,230 at the 10th percentile to $84,850 at the 90th percentile.
How much Paramedics earn
Paramedics earn a median annual salary of $60,600, with the typical range spanning $44,230 to $84,850. The mean wage is $63,360, or roughly $29 per hour. These figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for 2024.
Top earners (90th percentile) make over $84,850, often in high-cost areas or with advanced certifications. New paramedics typically start near the 10th percentile figure of $44,230.
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your paramedic paycheck. Washington tops the list at an average salary of $104,310, followed by New Jersey ($86,630), Hawaii ($81,280), D.C. ($78,550), and Connecticut ($77,480). These states typically have higher costs of living or stronger union presence.
At the lower end, Oklahoma paramedics average $46,790, West Virginia $48,460, and Alabama $48,540. Rural areas and states with weaker funding for emergency services tend to pay less.
How to become a Paramedic
Becoming a paramedic requires completing a state-approved paramedic program, which usually takes 6 to 12 months. Most programs require you to already be an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) — a certification you can get after a 3- to 6-month course. While no degree is mandatory, many paramedics earn an associate degree in paramedicine, which can help with advancement.
After finishing your paramedic training, you must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and obtain state licensure. Some states have additional requirements like background checks or extra practical exams. The total timeline from EMT to licensed paramedic can be 1 to 2 years.
- Complete a certified EMT-Basic course (3–6 months) and pass the NREMT exam
- Enroll in a state-approved paramedic program (6–12 months, often through community colleges or hospitals)
- Pass the NREMT paramedic exam and obtain state licensure
- Apply for jobs with fire departments, private ambulance services, or hospitals
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for paramedics to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 4,900 new openings each year, mostly due to retirements and turnover. The occupation currently employs 100,610 people nationwide.
Demand will be driven by an aging population and the need for emergency medical services in both urban and rural areas. Paramedics with advanced certifications (like critical care paramedic) will have the best prospects.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest paying state for paramedics?
Washington pays the highest average salary for paramedics at $104,310 per year, according to the BLS.
How much do paramedics make an hour?
The mean hourly wage for paramedics is about $29, based on the BLS national average of $63,360 per year.
Is becoming a paramedic worth it?
With a median salary of $60,600 and a 5% projected job growth, paramedic careers offer stable demand and good pay for the required training time, especially in higher-paying states.
How long does it take to become a paramedic?
From starting EMT training to full paramedic licensure, it typically takes 1 to 2 years, including EMT-Basic (3–6 months) and a paramedic program (6–12 months).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Paramedics data.