Public Service Cleveland, OH Pop. 372,624

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

The median emt/paramedic salary in Cleveland, OH is $33,480 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$33,480
vs State Avg
$-1,557
vs National
$-5,450
Cost of Living
86%

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

Cleveland offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $33,480, which is $1,557 below the Ohio state average of $35,037. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $33,480 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,930 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Cleveland spans from $22,360 at the 10th percentile to $53,320 at the 90th percentile — a $30,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,080, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,880. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $24,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,080
$-3,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cleveland, OH

Percentile Cleveland
10th Percentile $22,360
25th Percentile $26,660
Median (50th) $33,480
75th Percentile $43,000
90th Percentile $53,320

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$36,984
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$35,037
Pop. 309,317
Akron, OH
$32,701
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$31,923
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Cleveland

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Cleveland

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Cleveland, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Cleveland

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Cleveland, OH? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Cleveland, Ohio is $33,480 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $22,360 (10th percentile) to $53,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Cleveland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,480, a emt/paramedic in Cleveland earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Cleveland's median emt/paramedic salary of $33,480 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $35,037. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼
Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $33,480 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Cleveland? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Cleveland 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.