How Much Does a Paramedic Make in California in 2026?

A typical Paramedic in California earns about $35.86 per hour ($74,590 per year), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That works out to roughly $6,216 a month and $1,434 a week, both figures calculated from the annual number. Pay varies by employer and region, but this is where most paramedics in the state land regardless of setting, from private ambulance companies to fire department based crews and hospital systems.

That figure runs 23% above the national figure of $60,600 a year ($29.13 an hour) for paramedics, and California ranks 8th among the 51 states tracked for this occupation. The state employs 5,190 paramedics, compared with 100,610 nationwide, giving it a meaningful share of the country's paramedic workforce. Both figures point to strong pay for the profession in California relative to most of the country.

Entry-level positions in California typically offer around $25.66 an hour ($53,370 a year), according to the same wage data. New paramedics often start near this figure while completing field training and building call experience. Within a few years, pay commonly moves up toward the statewide typical figure of $35.86 an hour. Certifications, additional training, and time in the field all play a role in that climb.

Experienced Paramedics in California often see pay climb well above entry-level rates, and the top 10% of earners make over $102,450 a year ($49.26 an hour). That is a spread of $49,080 between the lowest and highest tier of pay. Setting, years on the job, and which city a paramedic works in all help explain that gap, with critical care and supervisory roles typically landing at the higher end.

Paramedic pay in California has climbed sharply since 2021, when typical pay stood at $48,880 a year. By 2025, that figure reached $74,590 a year, a gain of $25,710 and a rise of about 53% over that span. Pay increased in each year of that stretch, without a single downturn. That is a substantial climb for any occupation over a few years.

That increase outpaces the national trend, where paramedic pay rose about 30% over the same years. For someone starting a paramedic career in California now, pay has moved up meaningfully in recent years, though nothing is guaranteed to continue at that pace. Current pay levels reflect real gains already earned by paramedics across the state, not projections.

Pay runs highest in Redding, where paramedics typically earn $88,740 a year ($42.66 an hour), about 19% above the statewide figure. The San Jose metro area, including Sunnyvale and Santa Clara, follows closely at $84,480 a year, with the San Francisco, Oakland, and Fremont metro area not far behind at $83,090. These figures cover each city's full metro area, not just the city center.

At the other end, Visalia pays paramedics the least, with typical pay of $63,840 a year ($30.69 an hour), a spread of $24,900 between the top and bottom metro areas. Long Beach employs more paramedics than any other California city, at 1,200, with typical pay of $74,900 a year ($36.01 an hour). Higher pay in costlier metros tracks a higher cost of living, while lower-cost regions like Visalia pay less to match.

California's paramedic pay compares favorably with its neighbors. Oregon pays about the same, with typical pay of $74,840 a year, just above California's figure. Nevada and Arizona both pay noticeably less, with typical pay around 21% lower in each state, at $59,280 and $58,600 a year. Paramedic licensure earned in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a neighboring state, though requirements vary.

Paramedics in California typically earn $74,590 a year, well above the national figure, after a $25,710 rise since 2021. That upward trend has held steady across recent years. Readers considering the profession can check California's paramedic licensing and registry requirements for the steps to certification, and review the city-by-city figures above to see how pay differs across the state's metro areas.