Public Service Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median emt/paramedic salary in Columbia, SC is $35,037 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$35,037
vs State Avg
+$389
vs National
$-3,893
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $35,037, which is $389 above the South Carolina state average of $34,648. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $23,400 at the 10th percentile to $55,800 at the 90th percentile — a $32,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,200, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $52,200. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $25,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,000
$-4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $23,400
25th Percentile $27,900
Median (50th) $35,037
75th Percentile $45,000
90th Percentile $55,800

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$40,877
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$38,930
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$36,984
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$35,816
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Columbia

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Columbia

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Columbia

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $35,037 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $23,400 (10th percentile) to $55,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,037, a emt/paramedic in Columbia earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Columbia's median emt/paramedic salary of $35,037 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $34,648. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $35,037 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Columbia? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Columbia 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.