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.
SOC: 29-2043.00
Common Job Titles
First Responder
Flight Paramedic
Paramedic
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key 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
