Public Service Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median emt/paramedic salary in Memphis, TN is $33,480 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$33,480
vs State Avg
$-1,168
vs National
$-5,450
Cost of Living
86%

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

Memphis offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $33,480, which is $1,168 below the Tennessee state average of $34,648. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $33,480 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,930 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Memphis spans from $22,360 at the 10th percentile to $53,320 at the 90th percentile — a $30,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,080, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,880. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $24,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,080
$-3,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $22,360
25th Percentile $26,660
Median (50th) $33,480
75th Percentile $43,000
90th Percentile $53,320

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$38,930
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$35,816
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$34,258
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$34,258
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Memphis

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Memphis

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Memphis

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $33,480 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $22,360 (10th percentile) to $53,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,480, a emt/paramedic in Memphis earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Memphis's median emt/paramedic salary of $33,480 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $34,648. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $33,480 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Memphis? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Memphis 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.