EMT Paramedic Salary

The average Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic Salary is calculated by the US Government Bureau of Labor Statistics from a variety of sources. EMT's or Paramedics work in a number of settings including hospitals, ambulance companies, fire & police departments, and schools. The average salaries of EMT's or Paramedics may vary depending on the location and the setting.  These medical professionals typically work in areas that provide emergency medical services.  It should be mentioned that typically EMT's earn less than paramedics who have a higher level of training.

EMT Paramedic Salary: Median Hourly & Annual Data

Hourly

The average EMT or Paramedic median salary is $14.84 per hour. The lowest 10% earn $8.73 per hour and those in the upper 10% earn more than $22.83 per hour.

Annually

On an annual basis  the median EMT or Paramedic Salary is $30,870. The lowest 10% earn a salary of $18,150 per year while the upper 10% earn more than $47,480 per year.  These salaries are calculated as a mean or average. 

Lowest and Highest EMT Paramedic Salary

The lowest paid EMT or Paramedic  earn less with mean or average wages below $8.00 per hour.  Presumably this is offset by costs of living and other factors.  The lower pay levels are associated with rural areas and private ambulance companies.  The highest pay levels are found in major population areas where the mean or average wage is over $27.00 per hour.  Demand and low supply seem to be a significant factor in fueling higher salaries.

Top 5 States

The top paying states to earn an EMT or Paramedic salary are Alaska $53,090, District of Columbia $43,370, Nevada $42,540, Hawaii $41,980, and Maryland $41,530.

 Top 5 Metropolitan Areas

The best city or metropolitan areas to earn an EMT or Paramedic salary are Tacoma, WA Metropolitan Division $64,320, Reno-Sparks, NV $55,240, Racine, WI $52,540, San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division $51,420, Bremerton-Silverdale, WA $49,380.

Other Industries that Employ EMT or Paramedics

EMT's and Paramedics work in doctor's offices, outpatient centers, and colleges or universities. Waste treament, Jr Colleges, management and local government are other areas where EMT's and Paramedics may work.

Employment Data

According to the US Department of Labor nationally there are over 196,190 EMT's or Paramedic's who earn a salary through being employed.  

Where They Work

Of all the EMT's or Paramedic's employed in the United States over 85,000 of them work in settings outside of a hospital. This encompasses ambulance companies, fire departments and police departments.  Hospitals account for almost 40,000 more.

Private Practice Vs Employment

Given the nature of the work these professionals perform EMT or Paramedic salary are primarily employed in the public sector (i.e. fire departments) or in the private sector. This profession would rarely be considered self-employed.

Benefits

Fringe benefits will vary depending on business size and other factors. To see what a typical benefits package is worth  A typical employment benefits package is worth over $20,000 per year.