Paramedic Salary - What Emergency Responders Earn
When we think about the people who rush to help us during a crisis, those who provide care when every second counts, it is natural to wonder what they bring home for their tireless efforts. These dedicated professionals, often the first faces we see in an emergency, certainly do demanding work. It is, perhaps, a bit interesting to see the numbers connected to what a paramedic makes, as their earnings can shift quite a bit depending on where they are and what their specific role involves. This information helps paint a picture of the financial side of a job that is, you know, truly about serving others when they need it most.
The details we have gathered give us a pretty good idea of the different amounts a paramedic might see in their pay, whether we are talking about hourly rates or annual sums. We can look at how these figures change from one part of the country to another, and even within the same state, which, you know, shows a real variety in what someone in this important line of work can expect to earn. It's not just a single number; it's more of a range, reflecting many different situations.
So, we will explore some of these figures, including what the average pay looks like across the nation, and how specific places might offer more or less. We will also touch on how things like being a paramedic who also fights fires can change the pay stub, and what other things, like how much experience someone has, might affect their overall take-home amount. It's really about getting a clearer view of the financial rewards for these critical community members.
Table of Contents
- What's the Typical Paramedic Salary Across the Nation?
- How Does Location Affect a Paramedic's Paycheck?
- Paramedic Salary - A Look at State-by-State Differences
- Is a Paramedic/Firefighter Salary Different?
- Paramedic Salary - Examining Higher Earning Roles
- What Factors Influence a Paramedic's Earning Potential?
- Paramedic Salary - Understanding the Pay Spectrum
- How Do These Numbers Compare to Other Jobs?
What's the Typical Paramedic Salary Across the Nation?
When we consider what a paramedic typically earns across the entire country, we find a few different figures, which, you know, shows that there isn't just one single amount everyone brings home. For instance, one piece of information tells us that the average annual pay for a paramedic in the United States comes out to about $57,833. This translates to roughly $27.80 for each hour worked, which, in a way, gives us a solid starting point for understanding their wages. This particular figure is drawn from a good number of job listings, so it offers a fairly broad view of what's out there.
However, another report, specifically from Salary.com, gives us a slightly different national average for a paramedic's yearly pay, putting it at $52,231 as of June 1, 2025. This source suggests that the typical range for these professionals is usually somewhere between $42,116 and $63,942 annually, or if you prefer hourly figures, that would be from $20 to $31 an hour. So, you can see, there is a little bit of variation in what is considered the "average" across different data sets, but both point to a similar general area of earnings for a paramedic.
It's also worth noting that the median salary for paramedics in 2023 was reported as $53,180. The median, in some respects, represents the middle point of all the earnings, meaning half of the paramedics made more than this amount and half made less. This figure, you know, offers another perspective on the common earnings for someone in this line of work. It helps to show what a central earning point looks like for many who serve in this important role.
Looking at the broader picture of paramedic salary, we also have data indicating that the average hourly pay for a paramedic in the United States is $27.74. This figure comes from a pretty large collection of salaries, nearly 7,900 of them, taken from job postings over the last three years, updated on June 8, 2025. This suggests that this number is, you know, a pretty current reflection of what many paramedics are seeing in their paychecks right now. It's a useful piece of information for anyone curious about the typical hourly wage.
Then there is another average paramedic salary figure for the United States, which is $45,400 per year. This particular number, you know, highlights that there can be considerable differences in pay depending on various elements like where someone works, how much experience they have, and what kind of education they have completed. It shows that while there are averages, individual earnings can really spread out based on these factors, making the overall pay picture quite varied.
When we look at the range of earnings, it becomes clear that not every paramedic brings home the same amount. For example, those on the lower end of the earning spectrum, specifically the bottom 10 percent, tend to make around $42,910 a year. This indicates that, you know, new paramedics or those in areas with lower pay might see figures closer to this amount. On the other hand, the highest paid paramedics, those in the top 10 percent, can see an average annual salary of $76,630. This suggests that, very often, years of service and specialized skills can lead to significantly higher earning potential for a paramedic.
How Does Location Affect a Paramedic's Paycheck?
The place where a paramedic works plays a pretty big part in how much money they take home. It's almost like, you know, the state or even the specific city can really change the numbers on their pay stub. We see, for example, that Washington is listed as the state with the highest pay for paramedic jobs. The average annual salary there, as of a recent update, is a considerable $100,030. This figure is, arguably, quite a bit higher than what many paramedics might see in other parts of the country, showing just how much geography can influence earnings.
Following Washington, New Jersey also stands out with a higher average annual salary for paramedics, coming in at $74,970. This means that, you know, these two states appear to offer some of the better financial opportunities for people working in this emergency care role. On the flip side, Florida is identified as the state with the lowest paying paramedic jobs. This contrast really emphasizes how much a paramedic's paycheck can vary simply based on where they choose to practice their life-saving skills.
Looking at specific cities, San Francisco, California, shows some pretty interesting figures for a paramedic's yearly earnings. As of June 1, 2025, the average annual salary for a paramedic there is reported to be $65,231. This particular figure, you know, typically ranges from $58,619 to $72,887 for most professionals in that area, according to Salary.com. It suggests that, in a big city like San Francisco, a paramedic can expect to earn a decent living, though it's still quite a bit less than what's seen in Washington state.
California as a whole also presents a strong picture for paramedic salary. The average annual salary for a paramedic in California is $86,066. What's really striking about California is the wide spread in earnings; the salary range for a paramedic there is usually between $29,825 and $130,426 per year. This very broad range, you know, covers the 25th to 75th percentiles, meaning a lot of different experience levels and specific roles are included in that spectrum. It shows that while the average is high, there is a substantial difference between those just starting out and those with considerable experience or specialized duties in the state.
When we look at how much a paramedic job pays hourly by state, California again gives us a concrete example. The average hourly pay for a paramedic in California is $32.91. This specific figure is based on 405 salaries that were gathered from job postings on Indeed over the past 36 months, with the data updated on June 8, 2025. So, in a way, this gives us a fairly recent snapshot of what an hourly wage looks like for these emergency responders in that particular state, which, you know, seems to be pretty good compared to some national averages.
Paramedic Salary - A Look at State-by-State Differences
Diving deeper into how a paramedic's salary changes from one state to another really highlights the regional economic differences. We've already touched on Washington being at the top, bringing in an average annual pay of $100,030 for these emergency care providers. This is, you know, a very strong indicator of the demand and perhaps the cost of living in that area, which can influence wages. New Jersey, with its average annual salary of $74,970, also stands out as a state where paramedics tend to earn more than the national average, suggesting a pattern of higher pay in certain regions.
Conversely, the data points to Florida as the state where paramedic jobs offer the lowest pay. While a specific average annual salary for Florida isn't given in this context, the mention of it being the lowest-paying state for these positions is, you know, a pretty clear signal that earnings there might be significantly less than in places like Washington or New Jersey. This contrast really shows the spread of what a paramedic might expect to earn across the country, making state selection a key consideration for anyone entering this profession.
The information also mentions that states and areas with the highest published employment, location quotients, and wages for paramedics are available for a complete list. This suggests that certain places not only offer better pay but also have a higher concentration of paramedic jobs, which, you know, could be an important factor for job seekers. It means that some regions are more active in hiring these professionals and are willing to compensate them more generously, perhaps due to a higher demand for emergency medical services or a higher cost of living in those areas.
Is a Paramedic/Firefighter Salary Different?
It seems that when a paramedic also takes on the duties of a firefighter, their earning potential can look quite different, often significantly higher. This dual role, you know, appears to command a much larger paycheck in certain areas. For example, in San Francisco, California, the average salary for someone who is both a paramedic and a firefighter is reported to be a very substantial $323,819 annually. This figure is, arguably, quite a bit more than what a paramedic working solely in that role might earn, showing the added value of having both sets of skills.
The pay range for a paramedic/firefighter in San Francisco is usually between $303,372 and $350,500 per year. This really wide span, you know, indicates that even within this specialized combined role, there can be considerable differences in what individuals bring home. It might depend on their years of experience, their specific responsibilities, or perhaps even the particular fire department they work for. This kind of combined role, basically, seems to be a pathway to much higher earnings for these emergency service providers.
Moving to another state, Oregon also shows a strong earning potential for those who serve as both paramedics and firefighters. The average salary for this combined position in Oregon is $91,035. While this is not as high as the figures seen in San Francisco, it is still a very respectable amount and, you know, generally higher than what a paramedic working alone might earn in many places. The salary range for a paramedic/firefighter in Oregon is usually between $55,205 and $108,785 per year, covering the 25th percentile upwards.
This difference in paramedic salary when combined with firefighting duties suggests that employers value the versatility and the expanded skill set that comes with being able to perform both critical roles. It is, in a way, a recognition of the increased responsibilities and the broader scope of work these individuals are prepared to handle. So, if someone is looking to maximize their earning potential in emergency services, adding firefighting to their paramedic qualifications seems to be a pretty effective strategy, as these numbers clearly show.
Paramedic Salary - Examining Higher Earning Roles
When we look at the specific figures for a paramedic's salary, especially for those in roles that command higher pay, it becomes clear that certain positions or combinations of skills really stand out. The very high salaries seen for paramedic/firefighters, particularly in places like San Francisco, are, you know, a prime example of this. The average of $323,819 for this combined role there is, basically, an outlier compared to what a typical paramedic might earn, highlighting the significant financial benefit of having both certifications.
This kind of earning potential, with ranges going up to $350,500 annually for a paramedic/firefighter in San Francisco, shows that specialized roles or those with expanded duties can lead to very substantial incomes. It's almost as if the market values the comprehensive skill set that allows someone to respond to a broader range of emergencies, from medical calls to fire incidents. This particular data point really makes it clear that not all paramedic salary figures are created equal, and some pathways offer much more lucrative opportunities.
Even outside the combined paramedic/firefighter role, there are indications of higher earning potential for paramedics. The information notes that the average annual salary for the 90th percentile, which means the top 10 percent of the highest paid paramedics across the United States, is $76,630. This suggests that, you know, with experience, advanced training, or perhaps working in high-demand areas, a paramedic can achieve a significantly higher income than the overall national average. It shows that there is, indeed, a path to a more considerable paramedic salary for those who excel or specialize in their field.
What Factors Influence a Paramedic's Earning Potential?
Several things can really change how much a paramedic brings home. It is, you know, not just a simple matter of getting the job and having one set pay. The information points out that a paramedic's salary can vary widely based on elements such as location, how much experience they have, and their level of education. These three things, basically, play a very big part in determining what someone can expect to see on their pay stub at the end of the week or month.
Location, as we have already seen, is a huge factor. The difference between Washington being the highest-paying state and Florida being the lowest for paramedic jobs is a pretty stark example of this. So, you know, where someone chooses to work can have a profound impact on their financial well-being as a paramedic. Even within states, as shown by the San Francisco figures compared to a broader California average, specific metropolitan areas can offer higher wages due to factors like the cost of living or the demand for emergency services.
Experience also plays a very clear role in increasing a paramedic's salary. The fact that the top 10 percent of earners make considerably more than the national average suggests that, you know, years on the job and a proven track record can lead to better compensation. Someone who has been a paramedic for a long time, dealing with many different kinds of emergencies, typically develops a skill set and a level of expertise that is valued by employers, which often translates into a higher wage. It's almost like, the more time you put in, the more you can potentially earn.
While the provided text does not go into specific details about how education influences paramedic salary, the mention of it as a factor implies that, you know, advanced certifications, specialized training, or perhaps even a degree in a related field could contribute to higher earning potential. It is common in many professions for additional education to open doors to more responsible or specialized roles that come with better pay. So, for a paramedic, pursuing further learning might be a way to increase their overall income.
Paramedic Salary - Understanding the Pay Spectrum
When we look at the entire range of what a paramedic can earn, it is clear that there is a very broad spectrum. For example, in California, the salary range for a paramedic is usually between $29,825 and $130,426 per year. This huge difference, you know, really shows the spread from those who are just starting out or in less demanding roles to those who are highly experienced or in very specialized positions. The $29,825 represents the 25th percentile, meaning a quarter of paramedics in California earn this amount or less, while the $130,426 represents the 75th percentile, meaning a quarter earn this amount or more.
This kind of detailed look at the paramedic salary spectrum helps us to understand that averages, while useful, do not tell the whole story. They are just a middle point. The true picture involves knowing that some paramedics, particularly those at the lower end, might be making roughly $42,910 a year across the United States. This figure, you know, represents the bottom 10 percent of earners, which could include new graduates or those in areas with lower compensation rates. It's a reminder that starting pay can be quite modest.
On the other hand, the fact that the top 10 percent of paramedics can earn an average annual salary of $76,630 really highlights the potential for growth in this career. This higher figure suggests that, you know, dedication to the profession, continuous learning, and perhaps moving into more specialized or leadership roles can lead to a significantly better paramedic salary over time. It shows that while the entry-level pay might be lower, there is a clear path to substantially higher earnings for those who stick with it and build their expertise.
The various data points, whether hourly or annual, and whether national or state-specific, all contribute to this picture of a wide pay spectrum for a paramedic. From the median salary of $53,180 in 2023 to the very high figures for paramedic/firefighters, it is, basically, a job where what you earn can truly depend on many different elements. Understanding this range is, you know, pretty important for anyone considering this demanding yet incredibly vital profession.
How Do These Numbers Compare to Other Jobs?
When we look at what a paramedic brings home, it is sometimes helpful to put those numbers next to what people in other jobs earn, just to get a sense of perspective. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average annual wage for paramedics is $38,830. This particular figure is, you know, quite a bit less than the average annual salary for all occupations, which the BLS reports as $51,960. This means that, basically, on a national level, the average paramedic's earnings are more than $10,000 below the average for all types of jobs combined.
This comparison suggests that, for many paramedics, the financial compensation for their demanding and often dangerous work might not be as high as what many other professionals in different fields typically earn. It highlights that while the job is incredibly important and provides a vital service to communities, the average paramedic salary, at least according to this one national overview, is, you know, relatively modest when stacked against the broader employment landscape. This can be a very important consideration for anyone thinking about entering this field.
However, it is also important to remember the variations we have discussed. While the national BLS average might seem low, the figures for paramedics in higher-paying states like Washington, or those in combined roles like paramedic/firefighter, paint a very different picture. Those specific roles and locations, you know, clearly offer earnings that are competitive with, or even significantly higher than, the average for all occupations. So, it is not a uniform story across the board, but rather one with many different chapters depending on the specifics of the paramedic's role and where they are located.
The various paramedic salary figures show that it is a profession with a wide range of financial outcomes. From the lowest earners to the highest, and from state to state, the numbers tell a story of a job where compensation is heavily influenced by factors beyond just the core duties. It is, basically, a complex picture, reflecting the diverse conditions under which these critical emergency responders work and the value placed on their services in different areas and roles.
Paramedic Salary in US in 2023
Paramedic Salary in US in 2023
Paramedic Salary in US in 2023
