Paramedics
Paramedics respond to emergency calls to provide medical care to sick or injured people. They assess patients, administer medications, operate medical equipment like EKGs, and deliver advanced life support before transport to hospitals. Paramedics work in ambulances, on streets, and at accident scenes across communities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against paramedics and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Paramedics spend shifts responding to 911 calls, which might include treating heart attacks, injuries from accidents, or overdoses. Between emergencies, they maintain equipment, review protocols, and stay ready at their stations. A shift involves rapid decision-making, physical demands like lifting patients, and clear communication with hospital staff about each patient's condition.
Who this work suits
Holland code SRI. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're drawn to this work if you like solving practical problems under pressure and helping people directly through hands-on action. You tend to be calm in crises, physically capable, and motivated by making an immediate difference in someone's emergency.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Medical Care Transportation Technician (Paramedic) · Veterans Health Administration · San Antonio, Texas · $62629–$81423
- Medical Care Transportation Technician - Paramedic · Veterans Health Administration · Chicago, Illinois · $68999–$89703
- SUPERVISORY PARAMEDIC (SENIOR PARAMEDIC) · U.S. Army Medical Command · Fort Carson, Colorado · $76650–$99650
- SUPERVISORY PARAMEDIC (EMS CHIEF) · U.S. Army Medical Command · Fort Carson, Colorado · $91870–$119434
- Medical Care Transportation Technician - Paramedic · Veterans Health Administration · Augusta, Maine · $61722–$80243
- Firefighter (PARAMEDIC) · Defense Logistics Agency · Tracy, California · $77161–$100315
- Medical Care Transportation Technician - Paramedic · Veterans Health Administration · Phoenix, Arizona · $64564–$83938
- EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (PARAMEDIC/MVO) · U.S. Army Medical Command · Multiple Locations · $69373–$93549
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $80,320 | $104,310 | $123,310 | 2,110 |
| New Jersey | $79,440 | $86,630 | $95,650 | 540 |
| Hawaii | $75,930 | $81,280 | $81,280 | 140 |
| District of Columbia | $78,550 | $78,550 | $96,640 | 90 |
| Connecticut | $73,840 | $77,480 | $81,710 | 1,000 |
| Minnesota | $67,840 | $76,300 | $82,040 | 1,690 |
| Oregon | $63,090 | $74,840 | $82,320 | 1,210 |
| California | $63,490 | $74,590 | $90,730 | 5,190 |
| New York | $62,630 | $73,200 | $80,870 | 6,110 |
| Alaska | $62,460 | $71,860 | $85,230 | 310 |
| Maryland | $55,880 | $66,660 | $84,430 | 1,910 |
| Massachusetts | $63,770 | $66,340 | $77,330 | 1,860 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Nationally Registered Paramedic — National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
- Community Paramedic Certification (CP-C) — Board for Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification
- Tactical Paramedic Certification (TP-C) — Board for Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification
- Certified Critical Care Paramedic (CCP-C) — International Board of Specialty Certification
- Certified Tactical Paramedic (TP-C) — International Board of Specialty Certification
- Certified Wilderness Paramedic (WP-C) — International Board of Specialty Certification
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against paramedics and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-2043.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.