In 2025, the average hourly pay for a paramedic in the United States is around $23.37 to $28.25, with variations depending on experience and location. On an annual basis, paramedics make approximately $53,000 to $58,000 on average. The median salary was reported as $53,180 in 2023, with the top 25% earning up to about $64,370 per year. Higher salaries can be found in certain states and specialized roles, such as flight paramedics, who can earn over $70,000 annually on average. Entry-level paramedics may start with lower salaries around $18 to $20 per hour, while the highest pay can reach $31.50 per hour or more in some cases. Additionally, salaries vary by state, with California offering some of the highest pays at around $66,945 per year for paramedics. Specialized paramedics and those with more experience typically earn higher wages. Paramedics in Australia, for comparison, tend to have higher salaries, averaging around $110,000 annually, but this varies widely by state and role as well. Summary for US paramedic pay in 2025:
- Hourly pay range: $17.62 to $31.50, average around $23.37 to $28.25
- Annual salary range: Approximately $42,910 to $85,776, average around $53,000 to $57,000
- Median salary: $53,180
- Higher paid roles (e.g., flight paramedics): Around $70,000+ annually
This gives a comprehensive perspective on paramedic earnings as of 2025 in the US and some international context from Australia.