Paramedic Salary With Bachelor’s Degree
If you’re looking for a higher salary as a paramedic, earning a bachelor’s degree may be the way to go. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average paramedic salary with an associate degree is $32,000 and the average paramedic salary with a bachelor’s degree is $50,000. This means that paramedics with bachelor’s degrees earn nearly double what those with associate degrees do.
Paramedic Salary With Bachelor’s Degree
A paramedic salary with a bachelor’s degree is very similar to the paramedic salary without a bachelor’s degree. The median annual salary for paramedics with a bachelor’s degree is $56,000. This is only $2,000 more than the median annual salary for paramedics without a bachelor’s degree, which is $54,000.
Paramedic Salary With Bachelor’s Degree
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.
- EMT: Basic
- Advanced EMT (AEMT)
- Paramedic
After passing the EMT exam for certification, you can get started in the field. The average salary for an EMT is $34,833.
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.
