Public Service Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median emt/paramedic salary in Portland, OR is $45,937 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$45,937
vs State Avg
+$3,114
vs National
+$7,007
Cost of Living
118%

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

Portland offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $45,937, which is $3,114 above the Oregon state average of $42,823. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $45,937 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $38,930. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Portland spans from $30,680 at the 10th percentile to $73,160 at the 90th percentile — a $42,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,040, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,440. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $33,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,040
+$5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,200
+$7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,440
+$10,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $30,680
25th Percentile $36,580
Median (50th) $45,937
75th Percentile $59,000
90th Percentile $73,160

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$43,602
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$42,044
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$40,877
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$39,709
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Portland

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Portland

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Portland, OR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Portland

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Portland, Oregon is $45,937 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $30,680 (10th percentile) to $73,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,937, a emt/paramedic in Portland earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Portland's median emt/paramedic salary of $45,937 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $42,823. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $45,937 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Portland? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Portland 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.