Public Service Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Rhode Island

The median emt/paramedic salary in Rhode Island is $40,877 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $38,930.

Median Salary
$40,877
vs National
+$1,947
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

EMT/Paramedic Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for emt/paramedic compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for emt/paramedic pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $40,877 per year, emt/paramedics in Rhode Island earn $1,947 more than the national median of $38,930.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning emt/paramedic salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: emt/paramedics at the 10th percentile earn $27,300, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $65,100 — a $37,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $42,044.

Nationally, emt/paramedic employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for emt/paramedics across the country.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,900 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
+$1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,000
+$2,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,900
+$2,900 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $27,300
25th Percentile $32,550
Median (50th) $40,877
75th Percentile $52,500
90th Percentile $65,100

EMT/Paramedic Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for emt/paramedics in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Rhode Island

Education

Most emt/paramedic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Rhode Island has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineCPR/ALSPatient AssessmentTrauma CareCommunicationDriving

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, emt/paramedic employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Rhode Island's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Rhode Island is $40,877 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $27,300 (10th percentile) to $65,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,877, a emt/paramedic in Rhode Island earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for emt/paramedics? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for emt/paramedic pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level emt/paramedics earn $29,400, while senior professionals earn $60,900.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for emt/paramedic salary? ▼
The highest paying state for emt/paramedics is Hawaii at $66,181. Rhode Island's median of $40,877 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($40,877) and New Hampshire ($40,877).
What is the entry-level emt/paramedic salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level emt/paramedic in Rhode Island earns approximately $29,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $42,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $60,900.
What city in Rhode Island pays emt/paramedics the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for emt/paramedics, with a median salary of $42,044. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.