Paramedics in the United States earn varying salaries depending on experience, location, and employer. On average, paramedics make about $27.72 per hour
, with median hourly wages reported around $27.62 to $28
. This translates to a median annual salary of approximately $46,770 to $53,180, according to different sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
. Salaries can range widely by state and metropolitan area. For example, paramedics in California have a mean annual wage of about $69,870, while those in Alabama earn around $45,060 annually
. Some top-paying metropolitan areas offer annual wages above $70,000, such as Western Washington ($81,180) and Alaska ($74,340)
. Experienced paramedics with additional skills or senior roles can earn more, with some earning up to $79,430 or higher. Consultant paramedics in the UK, for comparison, can earn between £70,417 and £81,138 (around $90,000 to $104,000)
. In summary:
- Average hourly wage: ~$27.70
- Median annual salary: ~$46,770 to $53,180
- Salary range by location: ~$38,000 to $81,000+
- Higher pay for senior roles and experienced paramedics
This makes paramedic salaries generally livable, with some variation based on geography and experience
