Public Service Louisiana (LA) Rank #33 of 50

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Louisiana

The median emt/paramedic salary in Louisiana is $35,426 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $38,930.

Median Salary
$35,426
vs National
$-3,504
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

EMT/Paramedic Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for emt/paramedic compensation. EMT/Paramedic salaries in Louisiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $35,426 per year, emt/paramedics in Louisiana earn $3,504 less than the national median of $38,930.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $35,426 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $38,930 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: emt/paramedics at the 10th percentile earn $23,660, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $56,420 — a $32,760 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $38,151.

Nationally, emt/paramedic employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for emt/paramedics across the country.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $25,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,780 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,480
$-2,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,400
$-3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,780
$-5,220 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $23,660
25th Percentile $28,210
Median (50th) $35,426
75th Percentile $45,500
90th Percentile $56,420

EMT/Paramedic Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for emt/paramedics in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Louisiana

Education

Most emt/paramedic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Louisiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineCPR/ALSPatient AssessmentTrauma CareCommunicationDriving

Job Outlook in Louisiana

Nationally, emt/paramedic employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Louisiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Louisiana

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Louisiana? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Louisiana is $35,426 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $23,660 (10th percentile) to $56,420 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,426, a emt/paramedic in Louisiana earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for emt/paramedics? ▼
Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for emt/paramedic pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level emt/paramedics earn $25,480, while senior professionals earn $52,780.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for emt/paramedic salary? ▼
The highest paying state for emt/paramedics is Hawaii at $66,181. Louisiana's median of $35,426 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($35,816) and Wyoming ($35,816).
What is the entry-level emt/paramedic salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level emt/paramedic in Louisiana earns approximately $25,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $36,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $52,780.
What city in Louisiana pays emt/paramedics the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for emt/paramedics, with a median salary of $38,151. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.