How Much Does a Paramedic Make in Missouri in 2026?

A typical Paramedic in Missouri earns about $28.45 per hour, or $59,180 per year, per the latest government wage data (May 2025). That breaks down to roughly $4,932 a month, or $1,138 a week, based on the annual figure. Both numbers describe pay for a full-time paramedic working across the state.

That pay sits about 2% below the national figure of $60,600 a year, according to the same wage data. Missouri ranks 31st out of 51 states measured for paramedic pay. Around 3,300 paramedics work across the state, giving a sense of scale for how common the role is locally. Lower pay compared with the national figure often lines up with a lower cost of living in much of the state.

Entry-level positions in Missouri typically offer around $21.86 an hour, or about $45,480 a year, for paramedics just starting out. Some entry-level roles land closer to $23.67 an hour, or $49,230 a year, depending on the employer and setting. Pay tends to move toward the typical figure of $28.45 an hour within the first few years on the job. New paramedics can expect steady increases as they gain field experience and certifications.

Experienced Paramedics in Missouri often earn upwards of $35.47 an hour, or about $73,780 a year, in more senior or specialized roles. The top 10% of earners make over $39.09 an hour, or $81,300 a year. That leaves a spread of $35,820 between entry-level and top pay in the state. Years on the job, the type of employer, and the city where a paramedic works all tend to separate the two groups.

Missouri paramedic pay has climbed from $45,570 in 2021 to $59,180 in 2025, according to the same wage data. That is a gain of $13,610, or about 30%, over five years. The increase reflects what paramedics have actually taken home each year, not a projection of future pay.

Nationally, paramedic pay rose about 30% over the same period, putting Missouri's increase roughly in line with the country as a whole. Someone starting as a paramedic in Missouri today enters a field where pay has moved up steadily in recent years. That does not guarantee future increases, but it reflects a consistent trend so far.

St. Louis pays Paramedics the most in Missouri, with typical pay of $63,050 a year ($30.31 an hour), about 7% above the state figure. Kansas City follows at $59,520 a year, just above the state figure, and Springfield comes in close behind at $59,230 a year. These figures cover each city's full metro area, not just the city center.

Jefferson City pays the least among the state's tracked cities, with typical pay of $48,080 a year ($23.11 an hour) for paramedics. That is a spread of $14,970 between the highest- and lowest-paying cities in Missouri. St. Louis also has the largest paramedic workforce in the state, with about 1,890 people in the role. Pay differences like these usually track the local cost of living rather than anything else.

Missouri's paramedic pay sits close to its neighbors on the higher side, though a few states pay noticeably less. Illinois pays a bit more, at $60,660 a year, about 3% above Missouri, and Iowa is similar at $60,590. Oklahoma pays the least among nearby states, at $46,790 a year, about 21% below Missouri, with Kentucky and Arkansas also well below. Paramedic licensure earned in Missouri can often be transferred or endorsed into a neighboring state, which can simplify a move across the border.

Paramedics in Missouri typically earn $59,180 a year, or $28.45 an hour, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That figure has climbed 30% over the past five years, tracking close to the national pace. Readers considering the field can check Missouri's state licensing or EMS registry page for certification requirements, and the city pages on this site for local pay figures in places like St. Louis or Kansas City.