Paramedic Salary in California
Paramedics in California earn an average of $62,680 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +17.6% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$62,680
per year
Hourly Rate
$30.14
per hour
vs National
+17.6%
$53,320 national
Salary Range
$40,576
to $91,397
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$62,680
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$44,141
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Paramedic's salary of $62,680 has the purchasing power of $44,141 in an average-cost area.
Paramedic Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $75,479 | $36.29/hr | $48,003 | $110,741 | 274 |
| San Francisco, CA | $71,730 | $34.49/hr | $47,306 | $101,737 | 305 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $60,615 | $29.14/hr | $38,607 | $90,876 | 413 |
| San Diego, CA | $58,703 | $28.22/hr | $39,055 | $87,289 | 286 |
| Sacramento, CA | $56,225 | $27.03/hr | $36,690 | $78,789 | 228 |
| Riverside, CA | $53,328 | $25.64/hr | $33,796 | $78,949 | 280 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Paramedic Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 1,786 Paramedics employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Paramedic Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$40,576
Starting salary for new Paramedics
Median (50th Percentile)
$62,680
Mid-career Paramedic salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$91,397
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Paramedic Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Paramedic salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paramedic salary in California?
The average Paramedic salary in California is $62,680 per year ($30.14/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 17.6% above the national average of $53,320.
What is the highest paying city for Paramedics in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Paramedics in California, with a median salary of $75,479 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $53,328.
What is the salary range for Paramedics in California?
Paramedic salaries in California range from $40,576 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $91,397 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $62,680 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.