How to become paramedicseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$60,600
25th–75th pct. $49,660–$73,470
Top pay (est.)
$110,300
Top 10% $84,850
Pay in 5 years
$71,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$84,400est.
$72,500–$97,900
Outlook score
58/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
13%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.7%
4,300 openings / yr
How to become paramedics
Typical education
Postsecondary nondegree award
BLS
Related experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Paramedics
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Assisting and Caring for OthersHandling and Moving ObjectsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgePerforming General Physical ActivitiesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDocumenting/Recording Information
Important abilities
Inductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningNear VisionOral Expression
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as paramedics
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.