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EMT/Paramedic Salary in Tacoma, WA

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

Median Salary
$50,400
per year in Tacoma
Entry Level
$35,577
Starting salary
Senior Level
$68,781
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
131
31% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$35,577$50,400$68,781
Monthly$2,965$4,200$5,732
Biweekly$1,368$1,938$2,645
Weekly$684$969$1,323
Hourly$17$24$33

Tacoma vs National Average

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

Tacoma Salary
$50,400
COL Index: 131
National Average
$42,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$7,760
Higher in Tacoma

Cost of Living in Tacoma

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,900
per month
Median Income
$62,345
per year
Population
220,778
residents
Rent % of Income
36.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 131 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Tacoma 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
-5%
Los Angeles, CA
$43,430
-14%
Chicago, IL
$43,930
-13%
Houston, TX
$40,690
-19%
Phoenix, AZ
$38,660
-23%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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EMT/Paramedic Salary in Tacoma, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a emt/paramedic in Tacoma, WA is $50,400 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 131. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Tacoma's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level emt/paramedic professionals in Tacoma can expect to earn around $35,577 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level emt/paramedics earning approximately $68,781 per year. This represents a 93% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Tacoma's cost of living index of 131 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Tacoma 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 Tacoma typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,900 per month, housing represents about 45.2% 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 Tacoma, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.