Public Service Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Virginia

The median emt/paramedic salary in Virginia is $40,487 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $38,930.

Median Salary
$40,487
vs National
+$1,557
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

EMT/Paramedic Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for emt/paramedic compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for emt/paramedic pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $40,487 per year, emt/paramedics in Virginia earn $1,557 more than the national median of $38,930.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning emt/paramedic salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: emt/paramedics at the 10th percentile earn $27,040, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $64,480 — a $37,440 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $51,388.

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 Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $29,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,320 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,120
+$1,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,600
+$1,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,320
+$2,320 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $27,040
25th Percentile $32,240
Median (50th) $40,487
75th Percentile $52,000
90th Percentile $64,480

EMT/Paramedic Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for emt/paramedics in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineCPR/ALSPatient AssessmentTrauma CareCommunicationDriving

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Virginia

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Virginia? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Virginia is $40,487 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $27,040 (10th percentile) to $64,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,487, a emt/paramedic in Virginia earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for emt/paramedics? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for emt/paramedic pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level emt/paramedics earn $29,120, while senior professionals earn $60,320.
How does Virginia compare to other states for emt/paramedic salary? ▼
The highest paying state for emt/paramedics is Hawaii at $66,181. Virginia's median of $40,487 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($40,877) and Rhode Island ($40,877).
What is the entry-level emt/paramedic salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level emt/paramedic in Virginia earns approximately $29,120 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $41,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $60,320.
What city in Virginia pays emt/paramedics the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for emt/paramedics, with a median salary of $51,388. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.