How much does a paramedic make?
a year · about $29 an hour
A typical paramedic in the United States makes $60,600 a year, about $29 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A paramedic may race to a 911 call, check a patient's breathing and injuries, and give emergency care beside a home or road. In the ambulance, they monitor and treat the patient while a partner drives, then tell hospital staff what happened.
Did you know? Some U.S. paramedics care for critically ill or injured patients while flying in helicopter or airplane ambulance crews—not just in road ambulances.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $44,230 and $84,850How do you become one?
In the U.S., finish high school, become an EMT, and usually gain EMT experience before completing an accredited paramedic program. Then pass the National Registry exam and get a state license; applicants are usually over 18.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like helping and teaching and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., paramedics with more experience or sought-after credentials may earn more. Pay also varies by state and employer, such as a local government, hospital, or ambulance service. Working more hours can raise total earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($104,310), lowest in Oklahoma ($46,790).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $44,230 | $60,600 | $84,850 | about 101,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $104,310 | about 2,000 |
| New Jersey | $86,630 | about 540 |
| Connecticut | $77,480 | about 1,000 |
| Minnesota | $76,300 | about 2,000 |
| Oregon | $74,840 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer advanced life support to sick or injured individuals. Excludes “Emergency Medical Technicians” (29-2042) and “Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians” (53-3011).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/emts-and-paramedics.htm
- www.nremt.org/Document/Paramedic-Full-Education-Program-Pathway
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/emergency-med
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY