Average Salary for a Paramedic in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience, Top States & How to Earn More
"Paramedics are heroes who save lives every day. They help people in emergencies and rush them to hospitals. Their job is very important, but the pay can vary a lot. Paramedics work in ambulances and hospitals. They give emergency care when people are hurt or sick. The job can be hard, but also very rewarding."
This blog will help you understand paramedic pay in 2025.
We will look at how much new paramedics make versus those with many years on the job. You will learn which states pay paramedics the most money. We will also share tips to earn more as a paramedic.
We will answer common questions about paramedic salaries. You will learn about overtime pay and benefits, too. This information comes from trusted salary surveys and government data. By the end, you will know what to expect for paramedic salaries.
Many related healthcare jobs, like EMTs and Emergency Room Nurses, work with paramedics. Firefighters and Police Officers also do emergency work. All these careers help save lives and serve communities.
Average Salary for a Paramedic in the USA
$52,200 per year (Average)
According to several global salary surveys and reliable data sources, the average paramedic salary ranges from $44,640 to $58,700 per year. We calculated this average by combining data from multiple trusted platforms, including government statistics, major salary tracking sites, and employment surveys.
The current average shows a 2-4% increase from 2024, mainly due to staffing shortages and increased demand for emergency services.
Many cities are raising paramedic pay to attract and keep qualified workers.
Salary for a Paramedic Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: The typical paramedic earns between $44,640 and $58,700 annually, according to multiple USA salary surveys. This includes base pay but varies by employer type and location.
Salary range: Paramedic pay ranges from $42,910 per year at the low end to $85,776 at the high end, according to recent employment data. The wide range depends on experience, location, and whether you work for hospitals or ambulance services.
Salary by experience: Entry-level paramedics with 1-2 years earn around $38,000 to $45,000 yearly, while experienced paramedics with 10+ years can make $65,000 to $75,000 based on industry reports. Experience and additional training boost pay significantly.
75th percentile: The top 25% of paramedics earn $29.33 per hour or about $61,000 yearly, according to wage statistics. This shows what high-performing paramedics can expect with good employers.
Emergency Medical Technicians often advance to become paramedics for higher pay. Registered Nurses and Respiratory Therapists also work in emergency settings with competitive salaries.
Salary for a Paramedic: Regional Comparison
Location makes a huge difference in paramedic pay. Big cities and wealthy states pay more, but living costs are higher, too. Union contracts and local government budgets affect paramedic wages. Some rural areas struggle to pay competitive wages due to budget limits. The highest paying states include Washington, New Jersey, and Hawaii, according to government wage data.
Here's how salaries compare across top-paying states:
Data collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and state employment departments.
Washington state offers excellent pay and good living conditions for paramedics. New Jersey pays well but has high living costs. Rural states typically pay less but have lower living expenses.
6 Tips to Grow Your Paramedic Salary
These proven strategies can help boost your paramedic income in 2025:
1. Get Advanced Certifications: Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) or Flight Paramedic certifications can increase salary by 15-25% according to many USA data sources. Specialized skills command higher pay.
2. Work for Hospitals: Hospital-based paramedics earn 10-20% more than ambulance service workers, based on government statistics. Hospitals often have better benefits, too.
3. Pursue Leadership Roles: Paramedic supervisors and training officers earn $5,000-$15,000 extra yearly, according to several global salary surveys. Leadership experience opens higher-paying positions.
4. Learn Additional Skills: Paramedics with IV therapy, cardiac monitoring, or medication administration skills earn premium rates based on industry reports. Extra training pays off.
5. Consider Flight Medicine: Flight paramedics earn 30-50% more than ground paramedics, according to many USA sources. Helicopter and airplane medical teams need special training.
6. Work Overtime Strategically: Many paramedics earn 20-30% extra through overtime shifts based on recent surveys. Emergency services always need coverage.
FAQs | Paramedic's Salary
What is the average salary for a Paramedic in the USA 2025?
The average salary ranges from $44,640 to $58,700 per year, according to multiple salary platforms. Most paramedics earn around $52,200 annually.
Is the average salary for a Paramedic before or after taxes?
All salary numbers are gross annual pay before taxes. You will need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes from these amounts.
How much do entry-level Paramedics make in 2025?
Entry-level paramedics with 1-2 years of experience earn around $38,000 to $45,000 per year, according to job posting data. This is for new paramedic positions.
What salary can experienced Paramedics expect?
Experienced paramedics with 10+ years can earn $65,000 to $75,000 yearly based on experience tracking surveys. Supervisors and specialists earn even more.
Which states pay Paramedics the highest salaries?
Washington ($94,500), New Jersey ($80,510), and Hawaii ($73,770) offer the highest paramedic salaries according to government data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do Paramedic salaries include overtime pay?
No. Base salary numbers don't include overtime, which is common in emergency services. Many paramedics earn 20-30% extra through overtime shifts, according to industry data.
How does Paramedic pay compare to other healthcare jobs?
Paramedics ($52,200) earn less than Registered Nurses ($94,480) but more than Medical Assistants ($43,350) based on government statistics. The pay reflects education requirements.
What is the hourly rate for Paramedics in 2025?
Paramedics earn $23.21 to $28.24 per hour on average, with rates ranging from $20.65 to $29.33 per hour for most positions, according to wage surveys.
Can Paramedics work part-time for extra income?
Yes. Many paramedics work part-time shifts at different services or special events. This flexibility helps increase total yearly income significantly.
What certifications increase Paramedic salaries the most?
Critical Care Paramedic, Flight Paramedic, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support certifications command the highest pay premiums according to certification tracking data.
How fast are Paramedic salaries growing?
Paramedic salaries grew 2-4% from 2024 to 2025. The field is growing due to an aging population and increased emergency service needs.
Do Paramedics get good benefits besides salary?
Most paramedics receive health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Many also get uniform allowances and continuing education support from employers.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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