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EMT/Paramedic Salary in Des Moines, IA

How much does a emt/paramedic make in Des Moines? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Des Moines's cost of living.

Median Salary
$33,916
per year in Des Moines
Entry Level
$23,941
Starting salary
Senior Level
$46,285
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
97
3% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how emt/paramedic salaries break down across different pay periods in Des Moines.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$23,941$33,916$46,285
Monthly$1,995$2,826$3,857
Biweekly$921$1,304$1,780
Weekly$460$652$890
Hourly$12$16$22

Des Moines vs National Average

How Des Moines's emt/paramedic salaries compare to national figures.

Des Moines Salary
$33,916
COL Index: 97
National Average
$42,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$8,724
Lower in Des Moines

Cost of Living in Des Moines

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$55,234
per year
Population
210,330
residents
Rent % of Income
28.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 97 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Des Moines have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About EMT/Paramedic

Overview

Provide emergency medical care and transport patients to hospitals.

Education

Paramedic certification; some positions require Associate's degree

Key Skills

Emergency CarePatient AssessmentCommunicationQuick Decision Making

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: EMT/Paramedic Salary

See EMT/Paramedic salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$48,000
+42%
Los Angeles, CA
$43,430
+28%
Chicago, IL
$43,930
+30%
Houston, TX
$40,690
+20%
Phoenix, AZ
$38,660
+14%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a emt/paramedic salary in Des Moines.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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EMT/Paramedic Salary in Des Moines, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a emt/paramedic in Des Moines, IA is $33,916 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 97. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Des Moines's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level emt/paramedic professionals in Des Moines can expect to earn around $23,941 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level emt/paramedics earning approximately $46,285 per year. This represents a 93% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Des Moines's cost of living index of 97 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Des Moines are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $42,640, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a emt/paramedic's salary in Des Moines typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 46.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

EMT/Paramedics are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Des Moines, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.