📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Paramedic Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$70,560
per year
Median
$65,718
per year
Hourly
$33.92
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$46,683
25th Percentile — Junior$60,002
50th Percentile — Median$65,718
75th Percentile — Senior$89,972
90th Percentile — Top Earners$101,155
💡 Top-earning Paramedics in California make up to $101,155 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$56.6k
2021
$59.2k
2022
$61.8k
2023
$64.6k
2024
$67.5k
2025
$70.6k
2026
📈 Paramedic salaries in California have followed the national trend with 4.5% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Paramedic Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $109,368 +55.0% High
San Diego $104,429 +48.0% High
San Jose $121,363 +72.0% High
San Francisco $130,536 +85.0% High
Fresno $76,205 +8.0% High
Sacramento $86,083 +22.0% High
Long Beach $102,312 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $76,205 +8.0% High
Anaheim $100,195 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $98,784 +40.0% High
Riverside $90,317 +28.0% High
Stockton $83,261 +18.0% High
Irvine $109,368 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $83,261 +18.0% High
Modesto $79,027 +12.0% High
Fontana $86,083 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $81,144 +15.0% High
Glendale $104,429 +48.0% High
Fremont $112,896 +60.0% High
🔍
Paramedic Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Paramedics. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $70,560 per year, California's Paramedic salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $46,683–$60,002, while experienced Paramedics can command $89,972–$101,155.

Looking ahead, the Paramedic profession in California is projected to grow at 4.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Paramedic salary in California is $70,560 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $49,690.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Paramedics the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Paramedic employment.
  • At $70,560/year, California Paramedic salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $49,690/year.