How Much Does a Paramedic Make in Virginia in 2026?

A typical Paramedic in Virginia earns about $29.08 per hour ($60,480 per year), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That works out to roughly $5,040 a month or $1,163 a week, calculated from the annual figure. Those figures represent typical pay across the state, before accounting for overtime, shift differentials, or location.

Virginia's typical pay is almost identical to the national figure of $60,600 a year, based on the same May 2025 data, putting the state effectively even with the rest of the country. That standing ranks Virginia 24th among the 51 states and DC for Paramedic pay. About 1,960 Paramedics work across Virginia, a workforce large enough to give the state figure a solid statistical base.

Entry-level positions in Virginia typically offer around $20.44 an hour ($42,520 a year), according to the same wage data. New Paramedics usually start near that range and move up as they gain field experience and take on more responsibility. Within a few years, many reach closer to the state's typical figure of $60,480 a year. How quickly that happens depends on the employer and the type of EMS system.

Experienced Paramedics in Virginia often earn upwards of $32.23 an hour ($67,030 a year), and the top 10% of earners make over $37.15 an hour ($77,280 a year). That's a spread of $34,760 between entry-level and top-tier pay. The gap usually comes down to years on the job, the work setting, and which city a Paramedic works in.

Virginia Paramedic pay rose from $46,910 in 2021 to $60,480 in 2025, a gain of $13,570, or about 29%, according to the government wage data. The climb was steady, rising every year across that stretch rather than in a single jump. That five-year run pushed Virginia's typical pay well past where it stood at the start of the decade. For someone comparing job offers today, the trend has clearly been upward.

Nationally, Paramedic pay rose about 30% over the same decade, a pace almost identical to Virginia's climb. That keeps the state's wage growth in line with the rest of the country rather than falling behind. Pay has clearly moved higher for Paramedics entering the field now, though past increases don't guarantee future ones.

Pay runs highest in Arlington, where Paramedics typically earn $75,190 a year ($36.15 an hour), about 24% above the state figure. These figures cover the full Arlington metro area, not just the city itself. Virginia Beach and Charlottesville follow, with typical pay of $64,120 and $63,870 a year. Both still land above the statewide figure of $60,480.

At the other end, Bristol pays the least of Virginia's metro areas, with typical pay of $47,060 a year ($22.63 an hour), a spread of $28,130 between the highest- and lowest-paying cities. Arlington also has the largest Paramedic workforce in the state, with about 840 working there. Higher pay in cities like Arlington usually tracks a higher cost of living, so the gap doesn't necessarily mean better take-home value.

Virginia's Paramedic pay falls below the District of Columbia, where typical pay reaches $78,550 a year, about 30% higher, and below Maryland's $66,660, about 10% higher. It runs ahead of Tennessee ($57,690) and North Carolina ($57,320), each roughly 5% lower, and further ahead of Kentucky ($49,890) and West Virginia ($48,460), both 18% to 20% lower. Paramedic licensure earned in Virginia can often be endorsed into a neighboring state, though requirements vary and should be confirmed directly.

Paramedics in Virginia typically earn $60,480 a year ($29.08 an hour), a figure that has climbed 29% since 2021. Entry-level pay starts lower and rises with experience, while the top earners and highest-paying cities post noticeably more. Anyone weighing a move or a new certification should check Virginia's EMS licensing or registry page for current requirements, and compare city-level figures for a clearer local picture.