Public Service Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median emt/paramedic salary in Durham, NC is $36,984 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$36,984
vs State Avg
+$1,168
vs National
$-1,946
Cost of Living
95%

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

Durham offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $36,984, which is $1,168 above the North Carolina state average of $35,816. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $24,700 at the 10th percentile to $58,900 at the 90th percentile — a $34,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,600, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $55,100. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $26,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,000
$-2,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$55,100
$-2,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $24,700
25th Percentile $29,450
Median (50th) $36,984
75th Percentile $47,500
90th Percentile $58,900

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Durham

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Durham

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Durham

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Durham, North Carolina is $36,984 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $24,700 (10th percentile) to $58,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,984, a emt/paramedic in Durham earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Durham's median emt/paramedic salary of $36,984 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $35,816. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $36,984 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Durham? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Durham 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.