How to Become a Paramedics in Pennsylvania
Paramedics in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $57,670/year, which is 1% below the national average. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of ~3.1%. After taxes and rent, a paramedics takes home approximately $2,472/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a paramedics can afford in Pennsylvania
Becoming a paramedics in Pennsylvania
Meet education requirements
Paramedics positions in Pennsylvania typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Pennsylvania. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many paramedics positions in Pennsylvania require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Pennsylvania licensure or certification
Pennsylvania may require specific licensing or professional certification for paramedicss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Pennsylvania Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania employs 4,070 paramedics. The highest concentrations are in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton and Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington.
Paramedics salary by metro area in Pennsylvania
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $64K | $30.89/hr | 330 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $63K | $30.36/hr | 1,440 |
| Altoona | $57K | $27.17/hr | 50 |
| Reading | $56K | $26.84/hr | 130 |
| Pittsburgh | $54K | $25.98/hr | 860 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $53K | $25.48/hr | 170 |
| Lancaster | $53K | $25.38/hr | 110 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre | $52K | $24.92/hr | 160 |
| York-Hanover | $51K | $24.33/hr | 140 |
| Erie | $49K | $23.78/hr | 70 |
| Williamsport | $47K | $22.83/hr | 50 |
| Johnstown | $44K | $21.27/hr | 80 |
Paramedics salary range in Pennsylvania
Paramedics careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a paramedics make in Pennsylvania?▼
The median paramedics salary in Pennsylvania is $57,670 per year ($27.73/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $58,410. Salaries range from $42,530 to $78,490.
What are the requirements to become a paramedics in Pennsylvania?▼
Paramedics positions in Pennsylvania typically require Bachelor's degree. Pennsylvania may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Pennsylvania licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a paramedics afford to live in Pennsylvania?▼
At the median salary of $57,670, a paramedics in Pennsylvania would take home approximately $3,884/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 36.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for paramedics in Pennsylvania?▼
The highest paying metro areas for paramedics in Pennsylvania are Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton ($64,240), Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington ($63,140), Altoona ($56,510). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Pennsylvania have state income tax for paramedics?▼
Yes, Pennsylvania has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.1%. On a $57,670 salary, this means roughly $1,770/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.