Paramedics in the US earn a median of $60,600 a year in base pay. The middle half earn between $49,660 and $73,470, and the top 10% earn more than $84,850 (BLS OEWS May 2025). To negotiate, aim for the part of that range that matches your experience — with 3–5 years, for example, $61,000 to $73,000 — and open slightly above it.
How much do paramedics make?
| Percentile | Annual base pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | $44,230 |
| 25th | $49,660 |
| Median | $60,600 |
| 75th | $73,470 |
| 90th | $84,850 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Paramedics, national, about 100,610 jobs. BLS figures are base pay including commissions and production bonuses; they exclude year-end bonuses, stock, overtime and benefits.
Where paramedics earn the most
| State | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $104,310 | $123,310 |
| New Jersey | $86,630 | $95,650 |
| Hawaii | $81,280 | $81,280 |
| District of Columbia | $78,550 | $96,640 |
| Connecticut | $77,480 | $81,710 |
Pay also differs within a state — big metro areas often pay more. Use your state's numbers when you set your target.
What should you ask for as a paramedic?
| Experience | Suggested target range | Open with about |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $50,000–$61,000 | $64,000 |
| 3–5 years | $61,000–$73,000 | $77,000 |
| 6–10 years | $66,000–$77,000 | $81,000 |
| 10+ years | $73,000–$85,000 | $89,000 |
The ranges follow national percentiles by experience (25th–50th, 50th–75th, 60th–80th, 75th–90th); the opening number is the top of the range plus about 5%, rounded. Guidance, not a guarantee — check your state and experience, and see how to negotiate salary.
What drives paramedic pay?
Paramedics give advanced emergency medical care before and during transport. Pay is often hourly and depends on the employer — fire departments, private ambulance companies, hospitals — as well as shifts, overtime and certifications.
- Employer type: fire-based EMS, private ambulance, hospital, air medical.
- Shift patterns (for example 24-hour shifts) and overtime.
- Critical-care or flight certifications.
- Union contracts and step scales.
Your leverage as a paramedic
- Critical-care or flight paramedic certification.
- Field training officer experience.
- Willingness to cover nights, weekends or rural posts.
- Experience in high-call-volume systems.
- Bilingual skills.
Only use leverage you really have. Never invent a competing offer.
Paramedic objections and how to answer
| They say | You can say |
|---|---|
| “Our hourly rate is set by the contract.” | “Understood. Which step would my [number] years place me on?” |
| “Overtime makes up for the base.” | “How much overtime is typical, and is it voluntary?” |
| “Certification pay starts after a year.” | “Could it start once I'm cleared to work independently?” |
| “Private services pay less than fire departments.” | “I'm comparing with private services in our area — I'd like the rate at [number].” |
Sample counter offer for a paramedic
Thanks for the offer. With [number] years as a paramedic, my [critical-care] certification and FTO experience, I'm asking for [hourly rate]. The national median for paramedics is $60,600 a year.
Then stop talking and let them respond.
Asking for a raise as a paramedic
Certifications, FTO roles and moving to critical-care transport are the usual levers. Know your contract dates and what's being negotiated.