California ranks 6th of 50 states and D.C. for paramedics pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($100,780) by $28,600 — a 40% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $49,080 to $101,550 — a $52,470 spread, 24% wider than the national $42,290 range.
Paramedics are less concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.52 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.92× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $49,080 | $23.60 |
| 25th percentile | $60,920 | $29.29 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $72,180 | $34.70 |
| 75th percentile | $84,940 | $40.84 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $101,550 | $48.82 |
| Mean (average) | $74,470 | $35.80 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $72,180 | n/a |
| Washington | $100,780 | +40% |
| District of Columbia | $80,950 | +12% |
| New Jersey | $80,100 | +11% |
| Connecticut | $75,400 | +4% |
| Oregon | $73,380 | +2% |
| Alaska | $68,330 | -5% |
| Minnesota | $68,000 | -6% |
| Maryland | $67,670 | -6% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $72,050 | 6,970 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents | $72,390 | 8,080 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $71,920 | 29,460 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $71,860 | 3,670 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $72,930 | 44,750 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $72,960 | 45,740 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paramedics salary in California?
The mean paramedics salary in California is $74,470 per year. The median (middle) salary is $72,180 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Paramedics in California?
Entry-level paramedicss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $49,080 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $60,920 per year.
What is the highest Paramedics salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $101,550 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $84,940 per year.
How does the California Paramedics salary compare to the national average?
The median paramedics salary in California is $72,180, which is +24% above national average of $58,410.