🚑 How much does a paramedic make?

About $29 an hour

• Base salary: An official Bremerton pay schedule shows annual base salaries for firefighter-paramedic roles at different steps. Source
• Paramedic assignment premium: A St. Paul fire agreement adds extra paramedic pay for staff assigned to an advanced life support unit. Source
• Overtime: A Mason City fire agreement provides overtime pay for work beyond the regular scheduled workweek. Source

In the United States, first qualify as an EMT and gain field experience, then complete an accredited paramedic program. Pass the National Registry exam or an accepted state exam, and get a license from the state where you plan to work.

1. Study science and CPR in high school.
2. Complete EMT training and get state EMT credentials.
3. Gain field experience working as an EMT.
4. Complete an accredited paramedic program.
5. Pass the certification or accepted state exam and get a state license.

Qualifications and exams

Every U.S. state requires a state license, and rules vary; a state may set a minimum age or require a background check. Most require certification or an equivalent state exam.

At the start of a shift, a paramedic checks the ambulance's equipment and supplies. When a call comes in, they assess the patient, give emergency care, take them to a hospital, report what they did, and restock the vehicle.

Does pay change depending on where a paramedic works?

Yes. The U.S. typical pay was $60,600 a year in May 2025. By workplace, the typical pay was $61,980 in local government, $61,370 in private hospitals, and $60,040 in ambulance services. Source

Can a paramedic get extra pay for a special assignment?

Yes. A St. Paul fire agreement gives paramedics assigned to an advanced life support unit extra pay of 11.4% of base pay. Rules differ by employer. Source

Can you earn money while training to be a paramedic?

Bremerton's 2026 pay schedule lists $82,742.47 a year for a firefighter-paramedic trainee in paramedic school. This is one city's example, not a U.S. standard. Source

Can staying late or being called in add to pay?

Yes. Mason City's fire agreement pays time and a half for work beyond the regular scheduled workweek. The exact rule depends on the employer's agreement. Source

Do paramedics work nights or long shifts?

Yes. Paramedics may work nights, weekends, and holidays. Some employers use long shifts of 12, 18, or 24 hours. Source

This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.