Public Service Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Houston, Texas

The median emt/paramedic salary in Houston, TX is $37,373 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$37,373
vs State Avg
+$1,557
vs National
$-1,557
Cost of Living
96%

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

Houston offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $37,373, which is $1,557 above the Texas state average of $35,816. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $24,960 at the 10th percentile to $59,520 at the 90th percentile — a $34,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,880, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $55,680. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $26,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,880
$-1,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,400
$-1,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$55,680
$-2,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $24,960
25th Percentile $29,760
Median (50th) $37,373
75th Percentile $48,000
90th Percentile $59,520

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$40,877
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$38,930
Pop. 1,304,379
Fort Worth, TX
$35,816
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$34,258
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Houston

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Houston

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Houston, TX:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Houston

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Houston, Texas is $37,373 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $24,960 (10th percentile) to $59,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,373, a emt/paramedic in Houston earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Houston's median emt/paramedic salary of $37,373 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $35,816. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $37,373 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Houston? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Houston 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.