Paramedics
Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer advanced life support to sick or injured individuals.
Common Job Titles
- First Responder
- Flight Paramedic
- Paramedic
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeAssess patient injuries, vital signs, and medical emergencies in pre-hospital emergency settings under time-critical conditions.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate electrocardiography (EKG) units and cardiac monitors to identify life-threatening arrhythmias and cardiac events in field environments.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform advanced airway management procedures including endotracheal intubation using laryngoscopes, ET tubes, and related equipment in emergent situations.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute intravenous cannulation and medication administration using IV pumps, infusion sets, and pressure infusers while maintaining sterile technique.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate automated external defibrillators and manual defibrillation equipment to deliver appropriate cardiac interventions during cardiopulmonary arrest.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate treatment effectiveness and patient response to interventions during transport, adjusting care plans based on real-time patient status changes.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform spinal immobilization and trauma stabilization procedures using cervical collars, backboards, and extrication devices at accident scenes.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered communication and emotional support when managing patients and families experiencing traumatic medical emergencies.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret diagnostic findings from glucometers, oximeters, and telemetry units to guide pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment decisions in the field.Proficient
- Hands-onCoordinate patient extrication and transport operations working with multi-agency teams including fire rescue and law enforcement in complex emergency scenarios.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply advanced life support protocols and medication guidelines using electronic field reference guides and EMS software while consulting with medical control.Proficient
- MindsetPrioritize multiple patient care needs and resource allocation in mass casualty incidents using triage protocols under high-stress conditions.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Paramedics (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
99,530
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $40,130. 25th percentile: U.S. $47,920. 50th percentile: U.S. $58,410. 75th percentile: U.S. $68,420. 90th percentile: U.S. $82,420. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $40,130 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $82,420 |
| Workers on average earn | $60,610 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Apple iOS
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
- Epocrates
- HyperTox
- Informed EMS Field Guide
- Iterum eMedic
- MedDataSolutions Regist*r
- Medical Wizards ER & ICU ToolBox
- Medical Wizards ER Suite
- Medical Wizards Paramedics ToolBox
Tools & Equipment
- Adult Magill forceps
- Adult non-rebreather oxygen masks
- Adult stylets
- Airway suction units
- Ambulances
- Bag valve mask BVM resuscitators
- Battery-powered portable suction units
- Blood pressure recorders