How to Become a Paramedic
Deliver advanced emergency care in the field: assessing patients, administering medications, and stabilizing life-threatening conditions before hospital arrival. It typically requires an associate degree, with a median salary of $60,600 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$60,600/yr
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
4,900
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Emergency Care
- Advanced Life Support
- Medication Administration
- Rapid Assessment
- Teamwork
Helpful certifications
- NRP (National Registry Paramedic)
- State paramedic licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Paramedic make?
The median pay for a Paramedic is $60,600 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Paramedic?
The usual entry point is an associate degree. Common majors are Emergency Medical Services, Paramedicine, and Public Health.
Is Paramedic a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 4,900 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Paramedic use most?
Common skills for this role are Emergency Care, Advanced Life Support, Medication Administration, Rapid Assessment, and Teamwork.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.