Public Service Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median emt/paramedic salary in Los Angeles, CA is $56,838 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$56,838
vs State Avg
+$3,115
vs National
+$17,908
Cost of Living
146%

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

Los Angeles offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $56,838, which is $3,115 above the California state average of $53,723. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $56,838 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $38,930. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Los Angeles spans from $37,960 at the 10th percentile to $90,520 at the 90th percentile — a $52,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,880, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,680. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $40,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,880
+$12,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,400
+$18,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,680
+$26,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $37,960
25th Percentile $45,260
Median (50th) $56,838
75th Percentile $73,000
90th Percentile $90,520

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Los Angeles

Education

Most emt/paramedic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Los Angeles and the surrounding California 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 Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Los Angeles

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Los Angeles, California is $56,838 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $37,960 (10th percentile) to $90,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,838, a emt/paramedic in Los Angeles earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median emt/paramedic salary of $56,838 is 5.8% above the California state average of $53,723. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $56,838 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Los Angeles? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Los Angeles 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.