Paramedic Salary in Seattle, WA: $63,777 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $30.66/hour | $41,551 - $90,292 range
Median Annual Salary
$63,777
Hourly Rate
$30.66
/hour
Jobs in Area
345
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Seattle, WA
$63,777
San Jose, CA
$75,479
in San Jose, CA
Paramedic Salary Range in Seattle, WA
Annual Salary Range
$42k
10th percentile
$51k
25th
$78k
75th
$90k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $41,551 | $19.98 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,467 | $24.74 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $63,777 | $30.66 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,750 | $37.38 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $90,292 | $43.41 |
| Average (Mean) | $68,954 | $33.15 |
Paramedic Market Insights for Seattle, WA
Compensation Overview
This metro area pays Paramedics well above the national average, making it an attractive destination for professionals in this field. The local economy supports above-market compensation for this role.
Local Market Context
Seattle, WA is a high cost-of-living metro area, which typically correlates with higher nominal salaries. While wages may appear higher, purchasing power should be carefully evaluated against housing, transportation, and everyday expenses in the Washington market.
Cost of Living Impact
Cost of living adjustments reduce effective purchasing power by approximately 33% compared to national averages. When evaluating opportunities in Seattle, WA, factor in higher expenses for housing and daily necessities.
Career Outlook
The Paramedic profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 117% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 42% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
+20%
vs National Avg
+20%
vs State Avg
117%
Salary Range
345
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Paramedic salary growth in Seattle, WA based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$41,551
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$51,467
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$63,777
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$77,750
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$90,292
/year
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
Paramedic Job Market in Seattle, WA
Where Paramedics Work
Paramedics work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
Employment in this occupation is more limited in Seattle, WA compared to larger metros. Professionals may find opportunities concentrated among fewer employers, making employer research and networking particularly valuable.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Seattle, WA
- •Research major employers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Washington
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Seattle, WA market rate of $63,777
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $41,551 in this market
Frequently Asked Questions
The median paramedic salary in Seattle, WA is $63,777 per year ($30.66/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $41,551 for entry-level positions to $90,292 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level paramedics in Seattle, WA typically start at around $41,551 per year ($19.98/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $63,777 within 3-5 years.
Paramedics in Seattle, WA earn a median hourly wage of $30.66 per hour. Hourly rates range from $19.98/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $43.41/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $41,551 and $90,292.
The median paramedic salary of $63,777 in Seattle, WA is well above the national median of $53,320 (19.6% higher). However, the cost of living is 50% above the national average, which affects purchasing power. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of paramedics in the area earn more and half earn less.
Paramedics in Seattle, WA earn well above the national average. The local median salary of $63,777 is 19.6% higher than the national median of $53,320. However, the cost of living is 50% above the national average, which affects purchasing power. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $42,632.
The top 10% of paramedics in Seattle, WA earn $90,292 or more per year ($43.41/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $77,750, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost paramedic salary in Seattle, WA include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $63,777, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($77,750) or higher. Years of relevant experience
Seattle, WA has a specialized job market for paramedics, with approximately 345 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $63,777 is well above the national average. However, the cost of living is 50% above the national average, which affects purchasing power. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your paramedic salary to these Seattle, WA benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $41,551, 25th percentile: $51,467, 50th percentile (median): $63,777, 75th percentile: $77,750, 90th percentile (top earners): $90,292. If you earn more than $63,777, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $63,777 median base salary, paramedics in Seattle, WA typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced paramedics with 5-10 years in Seattle, WA typically earn $77,750 (75th percentile) to $90,292 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $90,292. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $63,777.
Paramedics in Seattle, WA can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($41,551) to median ($63,777) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($90,292) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $48,741 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
29-2041
SOC Classification
Sample Size
345
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
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Paramedic in Seattle, WA
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Median: $63,777/yr
How Seattle, WA Compares
vs National Average
$53,320
vs Washington Average
$53,129
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$42,632
Cost of living in Seattle, WA is 49.6% above the national average.