Public Service Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median emt/paramedic salary in Iowa City, IA is $36,984 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$36,984
vs State Avg
+$2,336
vs National
$-1,946
Cost of Living
95%

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

Iowa City offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $36,984, which is $2,336 above the Iowa state average of $34,648. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% 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 Iowa City spans from $24,700 at the 10th percentile to $58,900 at the 90th percentile — a $34,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,600, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $55,100. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $26,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,000
$-2,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$55,100
$-2,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $24,700
25th Percentile $29,450
Median (50th) $36,984
75th Percentile $47,500
90th Percentile $58,900

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Des Moines, IA
$35,816
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$34,258
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$33,480
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$32,701
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Iowa City

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Iowa City, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Iowa City

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $36,984 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $24,700 (10th percentile) to $58,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,984, a emt/paramedic in Iowa City earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Iowa City's median emt/paramedic salary of $36,984 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $34,648. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $36,984 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Iowa City? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Iowa City 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.