Public Service Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median emt/paramedic salary in Charleston, SC is $38,930 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$38,930
vs State Avg
+$4,282
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Charleston offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $38,930, which is $4,282 above the South Carolina state average of $34,648. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% 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 Charleston spans from $26,000 at the 10th percentile to $62,000 at the 90th percentile — a $36,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,000, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $28,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $26,000
25th Percentile $31,000
Median (50th) $38,930
75th Percentile $50,000
90th Percentile $62,000

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$40,877
Pop. 94,171
North Charleston, SC
$36,984
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$35,816
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$35,037
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Charleston

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Charleston

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Charleston, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Charleston

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $38,930 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $26,000 (10th percentile) to $62,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,930, a emt/paramedic in Charleston earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Charleston's median emt/paramedic salary of $38,930 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $34,648. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $38,930 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Charleston? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Charleston 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.