If you’re interested in a career as a paramedic, you’re probably wondering how much money you can expect to make. Paramedic salaries vary depending on your experience, location, and type of employer. Let’s analyze the topic in detail.
Paramedic Salary in 2022 – Mean and Median Wages
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, EMTs and paramedics earned an average salary of $40,370 and a median of $36,650 in 2020. Salary.com calculated the median paramedic salary to be $46,045 – this is how much you can expect to make in 2022.
Firefighter paramedics tend to make a bit more – their median is $48,117. On the other hand, emergency room paramedics have a lower salary ($37,375). If you get promoted to an EMT supervisor position, you can expect to make $65,461 per year.
Paramedic Salaries over the Years
Paramedic salaries have increased over the years. In 2010, EMTs and paramedics earned a mean annual wage of $33,300. In 2020, it reached $40,370. This means that salaries have risen by 21% in just ten years!
The reason for this increase is the growing demand for ambulance services. As the population continues to grow, so does the need for emergency medicine. Employment is expected to grow by 11% between 2020 and 2030.
Paramedic Salary by State
As with most professions, salaries are typically higher in larger cities. For example, paramedics in Los Angeles and New York City make significantly more than those working in rural areas.
In general, EMT and paramedic salaries are highest in the following states (on the basis of mean annual salary listed by the BLS):
- Hawaii – $58,580,
- Washington – $56,910,
- Maryland – $53,440,
- Alaska – $50,030,
- California – $48,280.
Some lower-paying states include Texas ($37,550), Wyoming ($36,700), Vermont ($36,580), Pennsylvania ($35,970), Maine ($34,700) and West Virginia ($30,520).
Paramedic Salary by Type of Employer
Hospitals are the biggest employers of paramedics and EMTs, with over 36% working in this setting. The mean salary for hospital-based practitioners is $41,330 per year, according to the BLS.
Other employers include private outpatient care centers (mean salary – $48,670), government agencies ($44,650), and miscellaneous ambulatory health care services ($37,150).
The wage for those who are self-employed is considerably higher at $62,000. This may be due to the fact that they often have more experience and thus can demand a higher wage.
What Do Paramedics Do?
Now that you know a bit more about paramedic salaries, let’s take a look at what these professionals actually do.
EMTs are the entry-level responders in the emergency medical services field. They provide basic care, such as bandaging wounds and giving oxygen to patients.
Paramedics, on the other hand, are more specialized and can perform more advanced procedures, such as starting IVs and administering medications. They’re responsible for providing emergency medical care to patients who are ill or injured. This may include assessing and treating patients on the scene of an accident, in the hospital ER, or aboard an ambulance.
History of the Paramedic Profession
The profession has quite a long history. It began in the early 1800s with the invention of the horse-drawn ambulance. These vehicles were used to transport injured patients from the battlefield to hospitals.
Paramedic jobs really took off in the 1960s, when cities began to establish emergency medical services (EMS) systems. These systems were designed to provide quick and efficient medical care to those who were ill or injured. In 1972, the University of Cincinnati launched the first residency program to train doctors for emergency medicine.
Is a Paramedic Career the Right Fit for You?
What predispositions do you need to become a paramedic? These professionals must be able to quickly assess a patient’s condition and provide the appropriate treatment. This requires working in high-pressure situations and making split-second decisions. They also need excellent communication skills so they can effectively communicate with doctors, nurses, and other emergency personnel.
What Hours Do Paramedics Work?
EMTs and paramedics typically work long hours. They may work overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays. Due to the nature of their job, they also often have to work overtime.
What Benefits Do Paramedics Get?
In addition to their wage, they receive some benefits. These may include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for paramedic school.
What Training Do You Need to Become a Paramedic?
Paramedics must be certified in CPR and have a thorough understanding of medical terminology. They must also be able to lift and move patients, as well as operate equipment such as defibrillators and IVs.
The training program typically lasts one to two years and includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. After completing the program, you must pass a certification exam in order to practice as a paramedic.
Want to Become an Emergency Medical Technician?
If you’re interested in a career as a paramedic, now is a great time to get started. With the right training and certification, you can expect to make a good salary in this growing profession. Paramedics play a vital role in our healthcare system and are always in demand.
