Public Service Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median emt/paramedic salary in Columbia, MO is $34,258 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$34,258
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,672
Cost of Living
88%

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

Columbia offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $34,258, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $34,258. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia'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 Columbia an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Columbia 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 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
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 Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$35,816
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$35,037
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$33,091
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$31,923
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Columbia

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Columbia

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Columbia, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Columbia

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Columbia, Missouri 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 Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,258, a emt/paramedic in Columbia earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Columbia's median emt/paramedic salary of $34,258 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $34,258. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $34,258 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Columbia? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Columbia 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.