Public Service Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median emt/paramedic salary in Seattle, WA is $57,616 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$57,616
vs State Avg
+$12,846
vs National
+$18,686
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $57,616, which is $12,846 above the Washington state average of $44,770. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $57,616 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $38,930. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Seattle spans from $38,480 at the 10th percentile to $91,760 at the 90th percentile — a $53,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,440, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,840. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $41,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,440
+$13,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,200
+$19,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,840
+$27,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $38,480
25th Percentile $45,880
Median (50th) $57,616
75th Percentile $74,000
90th Percentile $91,760

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$59,174
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$42,823
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$39,709
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$35,816
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Seattle

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Seattle

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Seattle, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Seattle

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Seattle, Washington is $57,616 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $38,480 (10th percentile) to $91,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,616, a emt/paramedic in Seattle earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Seattle's median emt/paramedic salary of $57,616 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $44,770. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $57,616 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Seattle? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Seattle 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.