Public Service Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median emt/paramedic salary in Arlington, VA is $51,388 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$51,388
vs State Avg
+$10,901
vs National
+$12,458
Cost of Living
132%

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

Arlington offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $51,388, which is $10,901 above the Virginia state average of $40,487. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $51,388 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $38,930. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Arlington spans from $34,320 at the 10th percentile to $81,840 at the 90th percentile — a $47,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,560. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
+$8,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,800
+$12,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,560
+$18,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $34,320
25th Percentile $40,920
Median (50th) $51,388
75th Percentile $66,000
90th Percentile $81,840

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$39,709
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$38,930
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$38,151
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$37,373
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Arlington

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Arlington

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Arlington, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Arlington

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Arlington, Virginia is $51,388 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $34,320 (10th percentile) to $81,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,388, a emt/paramedic in Arlington earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Arlington's median emt/paramedic salary of $51,388 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $40,487. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $51,388 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Arlington? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Arlington 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.