Public Service Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median emt/paramedic salary in Lafayette, LA is $34,258 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$34,258
vs State Avg
$-1,168
vs National
$-4,672
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $34,258, which is $1,168 below the Louisiana state average of $35,426. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $34,258 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,930 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Lafayette spans from $22,880 at the 10th percentile to $54,560 at the 90th percentile — a $31,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,640, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $51,040. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $24,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $22,880
25th Percentile $27,280
Median (50th) $34,258
75th Percentile $44,000
90th Percentile $54,560

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$38,151
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$35,816
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$33,480
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$33,091
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Lafayette

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Lafayette

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $34,258 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $22,880 (10th percentile) to $54,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,258, a emt/paramedic in Lafayette earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Lafayette's median emt/paramedic salary of $34,258 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $35,426. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $34,258 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Lafayette? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Lafayette 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.