Want to Become an EMT or Paramedic?

Welcome to your EMT and Paramedic Salary and Career Center. Here you will find detailed EMT salary information, job growth outlook, training requirements, and more for all 50 US states. Understand what it takes to get started in this exciting, fast-paced profession.

In an emergency, the skill and quick reaction of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics can mean the difference between life and death. Emergencies like heart attacks, car accidents, gunshot wounds, and serious illnesses require immediate medical attention. EMTs and Paramedics provide this vital service as they care for and transport the sick or injured to a hospital.

EMT and Paramedic Salaries: All States.

Earnings of EMTs and Paramedics can vary significantly. The two key factors determining salary are geographic location and level of training and experience. About 27% of EMTs and Paramedics belong to a union or are covered by a union contract.

Click on a State in the list below for EMT salary and training information.

• StateAverage Hourly Wage
• U.S. Average$16.01$24.70$16.01$9.48
• Alabama$14.56$24.81$14.56$8.37
• Alaska$23.10$29.24$23.10$16.98
• Arizona$15.00$22.91$15.00$8.76
• Arkansas$13.85$21.82$13.85$8.31
• California$17.37$28.12$17.37$10.20
• Colorado$17.60$28.45$17.60$8.85
• Connecticut$18.25$25.12$18.25$12.30
• Delaware$18.36$27.23$18.36$12.32
• Florida$15.23$22.43$15.23$10.03
• Georgia$14.89$21.13$14.89$9.96
• Hawaii$23.04$28.91$23.04$17.19
• Idaho$19.07$35.34$19.07$8.86
• Illinois$18.54$35.73$18.54$9.27
• Indiana$14.37$20.94$14.37$9.40
• Iowa$14.87$21.88$14.87$8.55
• Kansas$13.37$21.70$13.37$7.95
• Kentucky$13.65$19.88$13.65$8.46
• Louisiana$16.64$23.78$16.64$11.76
• Maine$14.59$20.94$14.59$9.24
• Maryland$20.42$31.79$20.42$12.11
• Massachusetts$17.76$25.16$17.76$12.50
• Michigan$14.63$21.18$14.63$8.96
• Minnesota$15.55$22.56$15.55$8.83
• Mississippi$14.03$20.67$14.03$8.74
• Missouri$15.34$24.31$15.34$8.96
• Montana$13.04$18.65$13.04$7.99
• Nebraska$14.56$21.24$14.56$9.63
• Nevada$18.43$27.06$18.43$11.31
• New Hampshire$15.38$24.40$15.38$8.46
• New Jersey$17.25$26.80$17.25$11.29
• New Mexico$14.54$21.98$14.54$8.56
• New York$17.75$26.37$17.75$11.11
• North Carolina$15.58$21.79$15.58$10.56
• North Dakota$14.29$21.94$14.29$7.64
• Ohio$14.00$20.29$14.00$8.91
• Oklahoma$13.86$21.51$13.86$8.05
• Oregon$21.43$35.63$21.43$10.88
• Pennsylvania$14.64$22.29$14.64$8.88
• Rhode Island$16.06$21.46$16.06$11.92
• South Carolina$15.18$22.14$15.18$9.75
• South Dakota$13.26$18.36$13.26$9.86
• Tennessee$15.21$23.10$15.21$10.04
• Texas$15.23$23.74$15.23$9.59
• Utah$15.13$21.83$15.13$9.04
• Vermont$14.70$20.35$14.70$10.15
• Virginia$17.02$25.53$17.02$10.43
• Washington$20.93$38.54$20.93$9.80
• West Virginia$11.72$17.77$11.72$7.80
• Wisconsin$13.69$21.43$13.69$7.68
• Wyoming$15.47$23.47$15.47$8.64

How Can I Get the Highest Salary?

As seen in the data above, EMT salary ranges vary significantly across all states. The best way to ensure a fast climb up the salary ladder is to gain additional certifications. There are three primary levels of training and certification:

• EMT-Basic
• EMT-Intermediate
• Paramedic

To land a job as an EMT, you must first become certified at the EMT-Basic level. This requires enrolling in a certified EMT training course (courses listed by state) and passing the NREMT or EMT State exam. This level of certification will gain you an entry level salary.

Moving up the EMT salary ladder requires additional training so you can make the average rate for your state. EMT-Intermediate certification enables you to perform more advanced life saving techniques and basic medicine administration. Once you have achieved this certification level, you should see your pay come into the average level and higher as you gain more seniority in your unit.

Gaining a Paramedic certification puts you at the top of emergency care professionals. Paramedic salaries are significantly higher than EMT’s, and along with the additional pay comes additional responsibility. Paramedic training typically requires 1-2 years of training where knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and advanced emergency caregiving skills are gained. In some states Paramedics make over $70,000 per year and help save countless lives in their day-to-day work.

EMT and Paramedic Salaries: Top 5 States.

If you live in one of the states below, consider yourself fortunate – these are the states with the highest average wages in the U.S. If you’re feeling adventurous, or live nearby one of these states, consider a move to maximize your earning potential. The state information page has links to hourly wage, annual salary, and training information for all 50 states.

Want to Know More?

To find out more about what EMTs and Paramedics do and how to become one, click on a link below:

• Job Description
• Job Outlook
• Training and Advancement