Public Service New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

EMT/Paramedic Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median emt/paramedic salary in New Orleans, LA is $38,151 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$38,151
vs State Avg
+$2,725
vs National
$-779
Cost of Living
98%

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

New Orleans offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $38,151, which is $2,725 above the Louisiana state average of $35,426. Compared to the national median of $38,930, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% 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 New Orleans spans from $25,480 at the 10th percentile to $60,760 at the 90th percentile — a $35,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,440, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,840. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $27,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,440
$-560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,200
$-800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$56,840
$-1,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $25,480
25th Percentile $30,380
Median (50th) $38,151
75th Percentile $49,000
90th Percentile $60,760

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$35,816
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$34,258
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$33,480
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$33,091
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in New Orleans

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in New Orleans, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in New Orleans

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $38,151 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $25,480 (10th percentile) to $60,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,151, a emt/paramedic in New Orleans earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
New Orleans's median emt/paramedic salary of $38,151 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $35,426. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $38,151 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in New Orleans? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in New Orleans 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.