Public Service San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

EMT/Paramedic Salary in San Francisco, California

The median emt/paramedic salary in San Francisco, CA is $70,853 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$70,853
vs State Avg
+$17,130
vs National
+$31,923
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $70,853, which is $17,130 above the California state average of $53,723. Compared to the national median of $38,930, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $70,853 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $38,930. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in San Francisco spans from $47,320 at the 10th percentile to $112,840 at the 90th percentile — a $65,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,960, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,560. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $50,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,960
+$22,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,800
+$32,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,560
+$47,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $47,320
25th Percentile $56,420
Median (50th) $70,853
75th Percentile $91,000
90th Percentile $112,840

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in San Francisco

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in San Francisco

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in San Francisco

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in San Francisco, California is $70,853 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $47,320 (10th percentile) to $112,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,853, a emt/paramedic in San Francisco earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
San Francisco's median emt/paramedic salary of $70,853 is 31.9% above the California state average of $53,723. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $70,853 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in San Francisco? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in San Francisco 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.