Public Service Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median emt/paramedic salary in Reading, PA is $34,258 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$34,258
vs State Avg
$-3,115
vs National
$-4,672
Cost of Living
88%

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

Reading offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $34,258, which is $3,115 below the Pennsylvania state average of $37,373. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $34,258 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,930 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Reading spans from $22,880 at the 10th percentile to $54,560 at the 90th percentile — a $31,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,640, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $51,040. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $24,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $22,880
25th Percentile $27,280
Median (50th) $34,258
75th Percentile $44,000
90th Percentile $54,560

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$39,709
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$36,594
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$36,205
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$32,701
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Reading

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Reading

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Reading

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $34,258 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $22,880 (10th percentile) to $54,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,258, a emt/paramedic in Reading earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Reading's median emt/paramedic salary of $34,258 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $37,373. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $34,258 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Reading? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Reading 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.