Salary Outlook
The BLS reports the median annual wage for EMTs and paramedics was $30,710 in 2011. The best-paid 10 percent in the profession made approximately $53,050, while the lowest-earning 10 percent made approximately $19,880. The highest-paid in the profession work in the metropolitan areas of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Tacoma, Wash., and Anchorage, Alaska.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $26,250.00 |
| 2004 | $26,060.00 |
| 2006 | $27,960.00 |
| 2008 | $30,210.00 |
| 2010 | $33,300.00 |
Average Paramedic Pay vs. All Healthcare Jobs
Paramedics take home more than the average medical assistant. But their average salary is significantly lower than that of the average registered nurse, occupational therapist, or physical therapist.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist | $78,270.00 |
| Occupational Therapist | $73,820.00 |
| Registered Nurse | $65,690.00 |
| Paramedic | $30,710.00 |
| Medical Assistant | $29,100.00 |
See Complete List of Best Healthcare Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Paramedics
The highest paid in the paramedic profession work in the metropolitan areas of Coeur d'Alene, ID, Tacoma, WA, and Anchorage, AK. The San Jose, CA area also pays well, as does the city of San Francisco, CA.
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Average Salary: $68,050 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a paramedic working in Coeur d'Alene, ID is $68,050, which is $37,340 more than the average pay in the profession.
Tacoma, WA
Average Salary: $65,890 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a paramedic working in Tacoma, WA is $65,890, which is $35,180 more than the average pay in the profession.
Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $58,520 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a paramedic working in Anchorage, AK is $58,520, which is $27,810 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $55,080 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a paramedic working in San Jose, CA is $55,080, which is $24,370 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $54,020 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a paramedic working in San Francisco, CA is $54,020, which is $23,310 more than the average pay in the profession.
