Paramedics Salary in California
The median pay for a paramedics in California is $72,180/year ($34.7/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $49K at the entry level to $102K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $72K get you in California?
About paramedics
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level paramedics (10th percentile) start around $49K. Mid-career wages sit at $72K.Top earners bring in $102K or more - a $52K spread from bottom to top.
Paramedics pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $101K | +73% | 2,120 |
| District of Columbia | $81K | +39% | N/A |
| New Jersey | $80K | +37% | 620 |
| Connecticut | $75K | +29% | 1,010 |
| Oregon | $73K | +26% | 1,100 |
| California | $72K | +24% | 6,090 |
| Alaska | $68K | +17% | 230 |
| Minnesota | $68K | +16% | 1,720 |
| Maryland | $68K | +16% | 1,400 |
| New York | $66K | +14% | 5,820 |
| Massachusetts | $64K | +10% | 1,880 |
| Rhode Island | $64K | +9% | 150 |
| Utah | $63K | +9% | 990 |
| Idaho | $63K | +7% | 470 |
| Delaware | $62K | +6% | 320 |
Track paramedics salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do paramedics make in California?
The median is $72,180 a year - that works out to about $34.7 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $49,080, and experienced paramedics can clear $101,550. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $72K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,691/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 46.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a paramedics salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median paramedics salary is worth about $72,180 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do paramedics get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.