As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Critical Care Paramedic in the United States is $48,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Critical Care Paramedic's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Critical Care Paramedic Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $53,300 | $4,442 | $1,025 | $26 |
| Average | $48,200 | $4,017 | $927 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,400 | $3,617 | $835 | $21 |
A Critical Care Paramedic's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.03% |
| CPR | 5.47% |
| Advanced Cardiac Life Support | 3.61% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Critical Care Paramedic's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Interpersonal Relationships | $54,466 | |
| Troubleshooting | $51,574 | |
| Personnel Management | $51,092 |
Critical Care Paramedic salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $52,657. While startup companies pay approximate $44,766.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $44,766 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $47,290 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $50,891 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $52,657 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Critical Care Paramedics enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Critical Care Paramedic with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $47,021 and $49,800).
| Typical Education for Critical Care Paramedic | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 42.2% |
| Associates | 36.9% |
| Bachelors | 17.1% |
| Masters | 2.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.7% |
Understanding how a Critical Care Paramedic's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $53,300 | $4,442 | $1,025 | $26 |
| Average | $48,200 | $4,017 | $927 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,400 | $3,617 | $835 | $21 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Critical Care Paramedic, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Battalion Chief | $85,500 | 77% |
| Emergency Response Team Supervisor | $65,500 | 36% |
| Police or Sheriff's Patrol Sergeant | $83,600 | 73% |
Salaries for a Critical Care Paramedic can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $46,402 in 2023 to around $46,535 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Critical Care Paramedic salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $46,402 |
| 2024 | $46,781 |
| 2025 | $46,535 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Critical Care Paramedic roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Yes, critical care paramedics can intubate, as it has been a core skill in the UK for over 20 years. However, recent evidence indicates that tracheal intubation may not be the best airway management method and could negatively impact patient outcomes. The salary for critical care paramedics ranges from $45,800 to $56,800, with a median of $50,800.
One reason paramedics, including Critical Care Paramedics, may not be paid as well as other healthcare professionals is the level of education and training required. Although they undergo rigorous training, it often involves less formal education compared to other roles. Salaries for Critical Care Paramedics range from $45,800 to $56,800, reflecting this disparity.
The top level paramedic is the Critical Care Paramedic, also known as EMT-P. They can perform all the duties of lower-level EMTs while utilizing advanced life-saving techniques. Salary data for Critical Care Paramedics shows a minimum salary of $45,800, a mid-range salary of $50,800, and a maximum salary of $56,800.
A critical care paramedic is a specialized professional who provides advanced care to patients during transport between healthcare facilities. They perform essential procedures like CPR and EKG tests, and administer medications based on patient needs. The salary for this role typically ranges from $45,800 to $56,800, with a mid-range salary of $50,800.
Paramedics generally earn less than registered nurses. For instance, Critical Care Paramedics have a salary range from $45,800 to $56,800 annually, with a mid-salary of $50,800. In contrast, registered nurses typically earn around $33,000 more per year, especially those in management positions requiring a four-year BSN degree.
Hawaii offers the highest average salary for paramedics at approximately $56,800, followed closely by Washington with an average of $56,140. In comparison, Critical Care Paramedics have a salary range from $45,800 to $56,800, with a mid-salary of $50,800, highlighting the competitive pay in this specialized field.
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