How Much Do Paramedics Make?
Table of Contents
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) salary data, paramedics in the United States earn an average hourly wage of $27.62 or an average annual salary of $57,450. They are responsible for providing emergency medical care and transportation to those in need and often serve as the first line of defense in life-threatening situations.
If you're thinking about becoming a paramedic—or just want to know how much they're paid—there are a few key factors to consider. We've broken down the salaries by state and by industries that employ the most paramedics to give you a comprehensive understanding of the factors that can affect how much paramedics can earn.
Highest Paying States for Paramedics
The highest-paying states for paramedics tend to be on the coasts, with Washington, New Jersey and Hawaii leading the pack. Paramedics in these states can earn over $70,000 per year on average. In contrast, paramedics in southern and central states like Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama earn closer to $45,000 annually on average.
Washington is the highest-paying state for paramedics, with an average annual salary of $94,500, while Alabama is the lowest-paying state (excluding Puerto Rico), with an average annual salary of $45,060. The difference between these two salaries represents a substantial 109.5% increase from Alabama to Washington, highlighting the significant impact that geographic location can have on a paramedic's earning potential.
How Do Paramedic Salaries Vary Across Different Industries?
The largest employer for paramedics, according to the BLS, is “Other Ambulatory Health Care Services,” which includes a broad category of health care services that are provided to patients on an outpatient basis, meaning they do not require an overnight stay at a hospital. These services typically involve medical or health-related care and can include a variety of treatments, tests, and consultations.
Some examples include:
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse services
- Ambulance services
- Blood and organ banks
- Home health care services
- Sleep disorder clinics
- Dialysis centers
Despite being the largest category, 'Other Ambulatory Health Care Services' still only employs 11% of all paramedics, which means that the majority of paramedics are distributed across other sectors such as hospitals, local government services, and private ambulance providers.
Of the top industries for paramedics, local government pays the most, an average of $60,300 per year or $28.99 per hour.
Paramedic vs. EMT vs LPN Salaries
The chart below highlights how paramedic salaries compare to other healthcare professions, specifically EMTs and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs). Paramedics earn an average annual salary of $57,450, or $27.62 per hour, which is significantly higher than the $43,100 per year ($20.72 per hour) earned by EMTs. However, paramedics' compensation falls slightly below that of LPNs/LVNs, who earn $60,790 annually, or $29.23 per hour.
Bottom Line
Paramedics play a crucial role in providing emergency medical care and transportation, and their salaries reflect both the demands of the job and the variations in location and industry. The national average salary for paramedics is $57,450 per year, with higher-paying states like Washington offering over $94,000 annually. While industries like local government provide the highest wages at $60,300, most paramedics work in various sectors, including ambulatory care and hospitals, earning slightly lower wages. Paramedics earn significantly more than EMTs but slightly less than Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), making it a well-compensated yet challenging career option. If you're considering a career as a paramedic, understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision about your earning potential.