Public Service Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median emt/paramedic salary in Tacoma, WA is $42,823 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$42,823
vs State Avg
$-1,947
vs National
+$3,893
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $42,823, which is $1,947 below the Washington state average of $44,770. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $28,600 at the 10th percentile to $68,200 at the 90th percentile — a $39,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,800. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
+$2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,000
+$4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,800
+$5,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $28,600
25th Percentile $34,100
Median (50th) $42,823
75th Percentile $55,000
90th Percentile $68,200

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Tacoma

Education

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

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Tacoma

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Tacoma

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Tacoma, Washington is $42,823 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $28,600 (10th percentile) to $68,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,823, a emt/paramedic in Tacoma earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Tacoma's median emt/paramedic salary of $42,823 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $44,770. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $42,823 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Tacoma? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Tacoma 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.