Public Service Columbus, GA Pop. 206,922

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Columbus, Georgia

The median emt/paramedic salary in Columbus, GA is $33,480 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 7.5% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$33,480
vs State Avg
$-2,725
vs National
$-5,450
Cost of Living
86%

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

Columbus offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $33,480, which is $2,725 below the Georgia state average of $36,205. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbus's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $33,480 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,930 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbus an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Columbus spans from $22,360 at the 10th percentile to $53,320 at the 90th percentile — a $30,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,080, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,880. With a population of 206,922, Columbus is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $24,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,080
$-3,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, GA

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $22,360
25th Percentile $26,660
Median (50th) $33,480
75th Percentile $43,000
90th Percentile $53,320

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$39,709
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$35,816
Pop. 147,780
Athens, GA
$35,037
Pop. 127,064
Augusta, GA
$34,258
Pop. 202,081

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Columbus

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Columbus

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Columbus, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Columbus

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Columbus, GA? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Columbus, Georgia is $33,480 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $22,360 (10th percentile) to $53,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,480, a emt/paramedic in Columbus earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Georgia state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Columbus's median emt/paramedic salary of $33,480 is 7.5% below the Georgia state average of $36,205. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, GA? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $33,480 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Columbus? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Columbus 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.