Table of Contents
Working as a paramedic is a rewarding career path for many. Though the job is often about more than just the money, it is possible for paramedics to earn a living. The median annual wage for paramedics is $60,600, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Keep reading for insights into a paramedic’s salary.
Key Points
• The median annual wage for paramedics is $60,600.
• Job growth for paramedics is projected at 6% by 2035, with 5,800 new openings annually.
• Paramedic work is fulfilling due to the impact of helping and saving lives.
• The role is physically demanding, involving frequent lifting, bending, and kneeling.
• Positive job growth and personal fulfillment can make the demanding aspects of the job worthwhile.
What Is a Paramedic?
A paramedic provides emergency medical services to individuals when they’re injured or sick. They may also be responsible for transporting people to the hospital, where they can receive further medical treatment. Because medical emergencies can happen any time of day, paramedics often work nights, holidays, and weekends. Many work 40 hours a week, if not more.
To become a paramedic, you usually must meet certain postsecondary educational requirements, which can vary by state.
How Much Is a Paramedic’s Starting Salary?
How much does a paramedic make a year? While the median annual salary for paramedics is $60,600, entry-level salaries may be lower. As with most jobs, a paramedic’s pay rate should become more competitive as they progress in their career.
Regardless of your income, it’s a good idea to keep your finances in order. An online budget planner can give you insight into your spending.
Recommended: 10 Entry-Level Jobs With Little Human Interaction
SoFi Coach℠Chat is a tool designed to help you view and analyze your financial data, get personalized insights, learn about SoFi products, troubleshoot issues, and take certain actions in chat. Coach responses are information for you to consider and not financial advice. Coach responses are based on limited information from your connected accounts and may have inaccuracies. The insights are meant to help you think about your finances and options —they are not advice or recommendations, and they do not guarantee results. Coach may offer you options to explore SoFi products on which SoFi would earn revenue. You are solely responsible for any financial decisions you make. Coach is offered by Social Finance, LLC.
What Is the Average Salary for a Paramedic?
If you’re considering going into emergency medical services — and thinking about the long shifts that are often involved — you may be wondering how much a paramedic makes an hour.
According to BLS data, paramedics earn a median hourly rate of $29.13. But how much they actually earn depends on how many hours they work, how experienced they are, and where they live.
In fact, salaries can differ greatly by state. For example, the annual median wage of a paramedic in California is $74,590. In Alabama, it’s $48,540.
It’s understandable that some paramedics earn more based on where they live, as the cost of living can vary a lot by state. At the very least, paramedics can expect to earn the minimum wage.
The following table breaks down the annual median wage for paramedics by state.
| Median Paramedic Salary by State for 2025 | |
|---|---|
| State | Annual Median Wage |
| Alabama | $48,540 |
| Alaska | $71,860 |
| Arizona | $58,600 |
| Arkansas | $50,310 |
| California | $74,590 |
| Colorado | $63,910 |
| Connecticut | $77,480 |
| Delaware | $64,240 |
| District of Columbia | $78,550 |
| Florida | $60,140 |
| Georgia | $57,660 |
| Hawaii | $81,280 |
| Idaho | $60,380 |
| Illinois | $60,660 |
| Indiana | $60,320 |
| Iowa | $60,590 |
| Kansas | $51,020 |
| Kentucky | $49,890 |
| Louisiana | $56,050 |
| Maine | $63,050 |
| Maryland | $66,660 |
| Massachusetts | $66,340 |
| Michigan | $52,080 |
| Minnesota | $76,300 |
| Mississippi | $54,630 |
| Missouri | $59,180 |
| Montana | $50,890 |
| Nebraska | $56,230 |
| Nevada | $59,280 |
| New Hampshire | $64,210 |
| New Jersey | $86,630 |
| New Mexico | $55,530 |
| New York | $73,200 |
| North Carolina | $57,320 |
| North Dakota | $62,320 |
| Ohio | $51,300 |
| Oklahoma | $46,790 |
| Oregon | $74,840 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,000 |
| Rhode Island | $63,550 |
| South Carolina | $53,550 |
| South Dakota | $48,830 |
| Tennessee | $57,690 |
| Texas | $57,500 |
| Utah | $65,420 |
| Vermont | $60,360 |
| Virginia | $60,480 |
| Washington | $104,310 |
| West Virginia | $48,460 |
| Wisconsin | $59,710 |
| Wyoming | $64,040 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Recommended: Salary vs. Hourly Pay: How Their Pros and Cons Compare
Paramedic Benefits and Job Considerations
Alongside earning a paycheck, paramedics may also receive valuable benefits such as:
• Health care, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Sick leave
Pros and Cons of a Paramedic Salary
If someone is debating whether or not to pursue a career path as a paramedic, they’ll want to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of the job.
Pros
• Potential career growth: It is anticipated paramedic jobs will grow by 6% by 2035, and there will be around 5,800 new openings for paramedics every year over the next decade.
• Fulfillment: Helping people for a living and saving lives can be very fulfilling ways to spend a career.
Cons
• Physical demand: Working as a paramedic can require a lot of lifting, bending, and kneeling, which can take a physical toll.
• Danger: Working with the sick can expose you to diseases and viruses and potentially increase your risk of injuries.
• Hectic work schedule: Not only are paramedics expected to work odd hours, their time on the job can be very busy and stressful, with life-or-death stakes. Shifts can also be long and last up to 24 hours. This may also not be a great job for introverts, as working as a paramedic requires interacting a lot with patients and teammates.
The Takeaway
Pursuing a career as a paramedic requires a secondary education, a lot of hard work, and the ability to work odd hours. The role can be very stressful, as the stakes are quite high when delivering emergency medical services. However, with a median annual salary of $60,600, working as a paramedic can also be a reliable and rewarding way to earn a living. What’s more, you may find that as your career progresses, your earning potential will grow as well.
Take control of your finances with SoFi Coach. You can easily view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard: bank and investment balances, current debts, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Easily set up budgets and spot upcoming bills. And get personalized insights on everyday money questions and take action with Coach chat, the AI guide that’s powered by the playbooks of SoFi Financial Planners, so its guidance comes from expert knowledge.
FAQ
What are the highest-paid paramedics?
Exactly how much money does a paramedic make? That depends on how much experience the paramedic has, among other factors. The highest 10% of top-earning paramedics earn more than $84,850.
Can a paramedic make six figures?
It is unlikely a paramedic will earn a salary of $100,000 or more, but it is not impossible. Typically, the highest-paid paramedics work in the state government, and they earn a median annual salary of $89,530.
What is the lowest-paid paramedic?
On the low end, paramedics can earn $44,230 or less. However, they can expect their salary to rise as they gain years of working experience.
What are the main benefits paramedics typically receive alongside their paycheck?
In addition to earning a regular salary or hourly wage, paramedics may receive benefits such as health care, dental, and vision insurance. They also commony receive paid time off, sick leave, and access to retirement plans.
What are the main physical and environmental drawbacks of working as a paramedic?
The role is physically demanding, involving frequent lifting, bending, and kneeling that can take a physical toll over time. Additionally, working closely with sick individuals can expose paramedics to diseases and viruses, increasing their risk of injuries and health hazards.
About the author
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/sturti
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. The products, services, or features discussed may not currently be available via the SoFi platform. Any references to third-party products, services, or companies do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or solicitation by SoFi. Readers should independently evaluate their options and consider their individual financial needs and circumstances before making any decisions. ©2026 SoFi Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
SORL-Q426-016