Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Paramedics make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Paramedics in California earn a median salary of $74,590 per year ($6,215/month). This is 20.1% above the national average of $62,113. California ranks #8 out of 51 states for Paramedics pay. Approximately 5,190 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 3.3% compared to 2024.
Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer advanced life support to sick or injured individuals.
Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Salaries for Paramedics in California range from $53,370 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $102,450 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $63,490 and $90,730.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $53,370 | $25.66 | $4,447 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,490 | $30.52 | $5,290 |
| Median (50th) | $74,590 | $35.86 | $6,215 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,730 | $43.62 | $7,560 |
| 90th Percentile (Experienced) | $102,450 | $49.25 | $8,537 |
Note: The mean (average) salary of $77,740 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
Similar Jobs That Pay More in California:
What does this salary really buy? See Paramedics salary in California adjusted for cost of living →
How much do you actually take home? See Paramedics take-home pay in California after taxes →
Compare Paramedics pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.
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Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS