Public Service Sioux City, IA Pop. 85,797

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Sioux City, Iowa

The median emt/paramedic salary in Sioux City, IA is $32,701 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$32,701
vs State Avg
$-1,947
vs National
$-6,229
Cost of Living
84%

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

Sioux City offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $32,701, which is $1,947 below the Iowa state average of $34,648. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $32,701 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,930 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Sioux City spans from $21,840 at the 10th percentile to $52,080 at the 90th percentile — a $30,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,520, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,720. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $23,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA

Percentile Sioux City
10th Percentile $21,840
25th Percentile $26,040
Median (50th) $32,701
75th Percentile $42,000
90th Percentile $52,080

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$36,984
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$35,816
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$34,258
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$33,480
Pop. 101,724

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Sioux City

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Sioux City

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

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Sioux City

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Sioux City, IA? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $32,701 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $21,840 (10th percentile) to $52,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Sioux City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,701, a emt/paramedic in Sioux City earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Sioux City's median emt/paramedic salary of $32,701 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $34,648. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼
Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $32,701 in Sioux 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 Sioux City? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Sioux 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.