EMT/Paramedic Salary in Owensboro, KY: $31,923 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $31,923, which is $1,946 below the Kentucky state average of $33,869. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $31,923 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,930 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Owensboro spans from $21,320 at the 10th percentile to $50,840 at the 90th percentile — a $29,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,960, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,560. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $22,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$22,960

$-5,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$32,800

$-7,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$47,560

$-10,440 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$21,320	$22,620	$26,000
25th Percentile	$25,420	$26,970	$31,000
Median (50th)	$31,923	$33,869	$38,930
75th Percentile	$41,000	$43,500	$50,000
90th Percentile	$50,840	$53,940	$62,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$21,320

25th Percentile

$25,420

Median (50th)

$31,923

75th Percentile

$41,000

90th Percentile

$50,840

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Owensboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Owensboro

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median emt/paramedic salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $31,923 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $21,320 (10th percentile) to $50,840 (90th percentile).

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $31,923, a emt/paramedic in Owensboro earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼

Owensboro's median emt/paramedic salary of $31,923 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $33,869. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $31,923 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Owensboro? ▼

Most emt/paramedic positions in Owensboro 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.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky