Public Service Athens, GA Pop. 127,064

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Athens, Georgia

The median emt/paramedic salary in Athens, GA is $35,037 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.2% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$35,037
vs State Avg
$-1,168
vs National
$-3,893
Cost of Living
90%

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

Athens offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $35,037, which is $1,168 below the Georgia state average of $36,205. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Athens's cost of living is 90% 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 Athens spans from $23,400 at the 10th percentile to $55,800 at the 90th percentile — a $32,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,200, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $52,200. With a population of 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Athens by Experience

In Athens, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $25,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,000
$-4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Athens, GA

Percentile Athens
10th Percentile $23,400
25th Percentile $27,900
Median (50th) $35,037
75th Percentile $45,000
90th Percentile $55,800

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Georgia Cities

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Athens

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Athens

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Athens

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Athens, GA? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Athens, Georgia is $35,037 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $23,400 (10th percentile) to $55,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Athens? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,037, a emt/paramedic in Athens earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Athens compare to the Georgia state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Athens's median emt/paramedic salary of $35,037 is 3.2% below the Georgia state average of $36,205. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Athens, GA? ▼
Athens has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $35,037 in Athens has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Athens? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Athens 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.