Public Service Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median emt/paramedic salary in Tucson, AZ is $36,205 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$36,205
vs State Avg
$-1,557
vs National
$-2,725
Cost of Living
93%

EMT/Paramedic Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $36,205, which is $1,557 below the Arizona state average of $37,762. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Tucson spans from $24,180 at the 10th percentile to $57,660 at the 90th percentile — a $33,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,040, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $53,940. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $26,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,940 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,040
$-1,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,200
$-2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,940
$-4,060 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $24,180
25th Percentile $28,830
Median (50th) $36,205
75th Percentile $46,500
90th Percentile $57,660

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$43,602
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$39,709
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$38,930
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$37,762
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Tucson

Education

Most emt/paramedic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineCPR/ALSPatient AssessmentTrauma CareCommunicationDriving

Job Outlook

Nationally, emt/paramedic employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Tucson

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Tucson, AZ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Tucson

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Tucson, Arizona is $36,205 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $24,180 (10th percentile) to $57,660 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,205, a emt/paramedic in Tucson earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Tucson's median emt/paramedic salary of $36,205 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $37,762. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $36,205 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Tucson? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Tucson require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Emergency Medicine, CPR/ALS, Patient Assessment, Trauma Care. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.