Public Service Columbus, OH Pop. 905,748

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Columbus, Ohio

The median emt/paramedic salary in Columbus, OH is $36,984 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 5.6% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$36,984
vs State Avg
+$1,947
vs National
$-1,946
Cost of Living
95%

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

Columbus offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $36,984, which is $1,947 above the Ohio state average of $35,037. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbus'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 Columbus 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. As a major metro area with a population of 905,748, Columbus typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, 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 Columbus, OH

Percentile Columbus
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 Ohio Cities

Cincinnati, OH
$35,037
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$33,480
Pop. 372,624
Akron, OH
$32,701
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$31,923
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Columbus

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Columbus

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Columbus, OH:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Columbus

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Columbus, OH? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Columbus, Ohio 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 Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,984, a emt/paramedic in Columbus earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Columbus's median emt/paramedic salary of $36,984 is 5.6% above the Ohio state average of $35,037. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $36,984 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Columbus? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Columbus 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.