Public Service Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median emt/paramedic salary in Independence, MO is $33,091 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$33,091
vs State Avg
$-1,167
vs National
$-5,839
Cost of Living
85%

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

Independence offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $33,091, which is $1,167 below the Missouri state average of $34,258. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $33,091 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,931 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Independence spans from $22,100 at the 10th percentile to $52,700 at the 90th percentile — a $30,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,800, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,300. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $23,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,000
$-6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,300
$-8,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $22,100
25th Percentile $26,350
Median (50th) $33,091
75th Percentile $42,500
90th Percentile $52,700

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$35,816
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$35,037
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$34,258
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$31,923
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Independence

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Independence

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Independence, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Independence

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Independence, Missouri is $33,091 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $22,100 (10th percentile) to $52,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,091, a emt/paramedic in Independence earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Independence's median emt/paramedic salary of $33,091 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $34,258. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $33,091 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Independence? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Independence 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.