As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an EMS in the United States is $55,248 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, an EMS's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An EMS's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract EMS. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.03% |
| CPR | 5.47% |
| Advanced Cardiac Life Support | 3.61% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Interpersonal Relationships
|
$62,430 |
13%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$59,115 |
7%
|
|
Personnel Management
|
$58,563 |
6%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$58,563 |
6%
|
|
Active Learning
|
$56,905 |
3%
|
|
Critical Care
|
$56,905 |
3%
|
For EMS roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, EMS positions in Biotechnology or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view EMS as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $66,297 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $60,773 | $29.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many EMS 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 an EMS with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $47,576 and $50,406).
EMS Salaries by Degree Level
| 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 an EMS'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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for an EMS can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $46,449 in 2023 to around $46,582 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of EMS salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $46,449 |
| 2024 | $46,828 |
| 2025 | $46,582 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for EMS and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for EMS roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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