Public Service Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Sacramento, California

The median emt/paramedic salary in Sacramento, CA is $45,937 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$45,937
vs State Avg
$-7,786
vs National
+$7,007
Cost of Living
118%

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

Sacramento offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $45,937, which is $7,786 below the California state average of $53,723. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $45,937 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $38,930. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Sacramento spans from $30,680 at the 10th percentile to $73,160 at the 90th percentile — a $42,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,040, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,440. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $33,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,040
+$5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,200
+$7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,440
+$10,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $30,680
25th Percentile $36,580
Median (50th) $45,937
75th Percentile $59,000
90th Percentile $73,160

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$70,853
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$65,402
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$56,838
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$55,281
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Sacramento

Education

Most emt/paramedic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Sacramento 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Sacramento

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Sacramento, California is $45,937 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $30,680 (10th percentile) to $73,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,937, a emt/paramedic in Sacramento earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Sacramento's median emt/paramedic salary of $45,937 is 14.5% below the California state average of $53,723. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $45,937 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Sacramento? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Sacramento 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.