As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Emergency Life Support Paramedic in the United States is $48,150 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, an Emergency Life Support Paramedic's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI Onboarding
AI-Powered Talent
An Emergency Life Support Paramedic's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Emergency Life Support Paramedic's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | 1-3 years | $40,063 |
| Emergency Life Support Paramedic | 3-5 years | $48,144 |
| Emergency Response Team Supervisor | 5+ years | $65,471 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Emergency Life Support Paramedics. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.03% |
| CPR | 5.47% |
| Advanced Cardiac Life Support | 3.61% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Interpersonal Relationships
|
$54,410 |
13%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$51,521 |
7%
|
|
Personnel Management
|
$51,039 |
6%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$51,039 |
6%
|
|
Active Learning
|
$49,595 |
3%
|
|
Critical Care
|
$49,595 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Emergency Life Support Paramedics enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Emergency Life Support Paramedic with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $47,012 and $49,780).
Emergency Life Support Paramedic Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 42.2% |
| Associates | 36.9% |
| Bachelors | 17.1% |
| Masters | 2.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.7% |
Understanding how an Emergency Life Support Paramedic's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Emergency Life Support Paramedic, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Battalion Chief | $85,500 | 78% |
| Emergency Response Team Supervisor | $65,500 | 36% |
| Police or Sheriff's Patrol Sergeant | $83,600 | 74% |
Salaries for an Emergency Life Support Paramedic can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $46,402 in 2023 to around $46,535 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Emergency Life Support Paramedic salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $46,402 |
| 2024 | $46,781 |
| 2025 | $46,535 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Emergency Life Support Paramedic and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Emergency Life Support Paramedic job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
As an Emergency Life Support Paramedic, salaries typically range from $45,770 to $56,770, with a mid-salary of $50,800. While it's possible to earn higher in specialized roles or with extensive experience, reaching $100,000 as a paramedic is generally uncommon. The role involves providing critical care and ensuring patient safety during transport.
To become a MedEvac paramedic, follow these steps: complete a paramedic training program, obtain a paramedic/EMT license, and gain experience as a ground paramedic or EMT. Pursue additional certifications and take the flight medic exams. The salary for Emergency Life Support Paramedics ranges from $45,770 to $56,770, with a mid-salary of $50,800.
Paramedics and RNs have different educational paths. Paramedics receive specialized training, making them more skilled than LPNs but less than RNs. In terms of salary, paramedics earn between $45,770 and $56,770, with a median of $50,800, reflecting their practical experience and training in emergency care.
As a paramedic, you'll earn more than an EMT, which can influence your career decision. Based on recent salary data, the minimum salary for an Emergency Life Support Paramedic is $45,770, with a mid-range salary of $50,800 and a maximum of $56,770. In comparison, EMTs typically earn less, making paramedic roles more financially rewarding.
Yes, you can make a living as a paramedic. The salary data indicates that Emergency Life Support Paramedics earn between $45,770 and $56,770, with a mid-salary of $50,800. This range provides a stable income, allowing paramedics to support themselves and their families effectively.
Paramedics, including Emergency Life Support Paramedics, earn salaries ranging from $45,770 to $56,770, with a median of $50,800. The relatively minimal certification requirements, typically involving 120 to 150 hours of training, contribute to lower wages. Additionally, rural areas often rely on volunteer staff, further suppressing career salaries in the field.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
