EMT and Paramedic Salary In the U.S
Paramedics and EMTs are among the first to arrive when disaster strikes, be it a car accident, explosion, or fire.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), state government — including police and fire departments — is the most lucrative industry for paramedics and EMTs, paying annual wages of $58,730 on average. However, most paramedics and EMTs earn below the national salary average.
On the upside, it is a job that genuinely saves lives — and one you can break into with a certificate or diploma. With training and experience, you can advance to earn higher pay or use your experience as a stepping stone to another career.
How Much Do EMT's and Paramedics Make?
According to the BLS, Paramedics and EMTs earned an average of $40,370 in annual wages in 2020. That's lower than the national average salary, which is $56,310.
If you're interested in becoming a paramedic or EMT, you may be drawn to the job because of its fast-paced, high-stakes nature or the opportunities it offers to help people in danger.
EMT Salary Per State
Salary Changes Per EMT Job Type
Your starting salary as an entry-level EMT will differ significantly from starting as an advanced EMT or paramedic. The salary estimates below come from Payscale.com.
After passing the EMT exam for certification, you can get started in the field. The average salary for an EMT is $34,833.
EMTs who clock another 150 to 200 hours of experience and sit for the Advanced EMT Exam can earn the AEMT title and increase their pay potential. AEMTs earned more than EMTs, at $40,092.
Becoming a paramedic requires EMTs to complete an additional 1,200 to 1,800 hours of training and more testing. Some states also require you to have an associate degree. These credentials can help you earn more. Paramedics reported making $50,482 on average.
EMT Entry Level v.s. Late Career
With more years of experience, you can earn a bigger paycheck. Entry-level EMTs made on average $30,627, whereas EMTs who have been in the field for 20 years or more reported earning $55,028.
When it comes to paramedics, those starting out reported making $40,196, while late-career paramedics earned $61,450.
Benefits of Becoming a Paramedic or EMT
Benefits
Benefits for paramedics and EMTs include:
- Healthcare, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Sick leave
- Retirement plans
In addition, paramedics and EMTs employed by state police and fire departments are eligible for the benefits offered to all state employees. These benefits typically include medical and life insurance and a pension or other retirement plan.
However, according to Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the benefits offered to EMS workers aren't on par with the work and dedication they put into their jobs.
Other Perks
- Clothing Stipend: Uniforms can be costly, though some employers may reimburse you for clothing.
- Variable Schedule: This can be a pro or a con, depending on your preference. Paramedics and EMTs work very long shifts, up to 24 hours at a time, through nights, weekends, and holidays. But, you typically have a couple of days off between shifts.
- Robust National Network: Several organizations promote a thriving professional emergency service worker community, including the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC).
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Paramedic or EMT?
Education
To become a paramedic or EMT, you will need some postsecondary education. What you pay will depend on the type of program:
- EMT certificates and diplomas qualify you to sit for the EMT certification exam and range in cost from $2,000-$4,000.
- Paramedic certificates are a bit more expensive, around $5,000 for a program, and qualify you to take the paramedic certification exam.
- Paramedic associate of applied science (AAS) degrees are more extensive and more expensive. They include additional coursework and general education credit hours and can cost $8,000-$12,000.
Before working, you must also take a class or series to become CPR certified. The American Red Cross offers CPR courses, ranging in cost from around $40 to $100. Every two years, you will need to renew your CPR certification.
Certification Exam
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) develops and oversees certification exams for paramedics and EMTs. You will need to pass one of these exams to work in the field.
Here are the costs for each:
- EMT exam: $98
- Advanced EMT exam: $136
- National Registered Paramedic exam: $152
Certification Renewal and Continuing Education
To keep your certification up to date, you must participate in ongoing training and pay a fee to renew your certification every two years.
For recertification, you should plan to spend:
- $100-300 on continuing education.
- $20-25 on the certification renewal fee — plus a $50 late fee if you miss the deadline.
Professional Uniform
Some employers offer a stipend for the uniform and safety boots you need for work as a paramedic or EMT. However, you may still have to pay for repairs and replacements. Keep your receipts for these expenses. If your employer does not reimburse you, you may be able to deduct these costs from your taxes.
There are many options for education and ongoing professional development to explore on your way to become a paramedic or EMT. In addition, federal funding may be available to you. Find how much you qualify for by completing the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
EMT and Paramedic Jobs & Career Growth Opportunities
As long as there are accidents and natural disasters, emergency medical service providers will be in demand. The BLS projects that jobs for paramedics and EMTs will grow 6% by 2029 — that's faster than the rate for all occupations.
In 2020, the states with the highest average salaries for paramedics and EMTs included:
- Hawaii ($58,580)
- Washington ($56,910)
- Maryland ($53,440)
States with the highest pay potential — the top-paying 90th percentile — were:
- Illinois ($104,830)
- Washington ($103,060)
- Hawaii ($81,110)
The highest employment rates for paramedics were in the country's biggest cities — New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. However, all five of the top-paying cities were in Washington.
The three highest paying cities in the country service rugged, remote areas like Olympic National Park and the North Cascade Mountain range. Those metro areas are:
- Olympia-Tumwater, WA (where the average annual salary for EMTs/paramedics was $83,930)
- Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($74,170)
- Bellingham, WA ($65,850)
Other Job Opportunities for EMT/Paramedics
Paramedics and EMTs can translate their experience into other medical careers, such as the following:
Registered nurse
By continuing your education and earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), you can use your patient care skills in emergency and non-emergency medical settings.Physician assistant
With a master's degree, you can translate your EMT experience into assisting doctors.Emergency medical services educator
After working for several years in the field, you may choose to teach newcomers best practices in emergency care. The National Association of EMS Educators provides curricula and training resources.Physician
Doctors diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses. You can put your high-stakes problem-solving abilities to the test in this role.Salaries for Related Jobs
There are many careers in which you can help people in emergencies. Here are a few, plus their entry-level education requirements, costs, and average salaries. All the salaries listed below are based on BLS data reported in May 2020:
Police officer
- Salary: $70,000
- Cost to become: $1,000-$6,000 for police academy tuition. Some departments may require at least an associate degree in criminal justice or a related field, which costs about $6,000 to $12,000.
Public Safety Telecommunicators (police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers)
- Salary: $45,800
- Cost to become: High school diploma or equivalent.
Emergency management director
- Salary: $84,310
- Cost to become: $20,000-$100,000+ for a bachelor's degree. Financial aid may be available.
Emergency medical services educator
- Salary: According to the BLS, health education specialists who worked in hospitals earned an average salary of $68,380. Those working in other ambulatory health care services made $59,520.
- Cost to become: $2,000-$12,000 for your EMT or paramedic certificate or degree. In addition, you must document your years of experience as a paramedic or EMT.
Registered nurse
- Salary: $80,010
- Cost to become: $20,000-$100,000+ for a bachelor of science in nursing.
Physician assistant
- Salary: $116,080
- Cost to become: $30,000 to $100,000 for a master's degree, in addition to the cost of a bachelor's degree.
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