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Ambulance driver-paramedic job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected ambulance driver-paramedic job growth rate is 7% from 2018-2028.
About 18,700 new jobs for ambulance driver-paramedics are projected over the next decade.
Ambulance driver-paramedic salaries have increased 7% for ambulance driver-paramedics in the last 5 years.
There are over 34,154 ambulance driver-paramedics currently employed in the United States.
There are 12,969 active ambulance driver-paramedic job openings in the US.
The average ambulance driver-paramedic salary is $48,814.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 34,154 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 34,126 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 34,510 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 34,061 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 33,353 | 0.01% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,814 | $23.47 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $47,487 | $22.83 | --0.7% |
| 2023 | $47,829 | $22.99 | +2.8% |
| 2022 | $46,519 | $22.36 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $45,530 | $21.89 | +2.2% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 112 | 5% |
| 2 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 246 | 4% |
| 3 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 227 | 3% |
| 4 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 61 | 3% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 22 | 3% |
| 6 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 528 | 2% |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 229 | 2% |
| 8 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 217 | 2% |
| 9 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 164 | 2% |
| 10 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 119 | 2% |
| 11 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 99 | 2% |
| 12 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 76 | 2% |
| 13 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 70 | 2% |
| 14 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 68 | 2% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 58 | 2% |
| 16 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 53 | 2% |
| 17 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 33 | 2% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 30 | 2% |
| 19 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 15 | 2% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 10 | 2% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fargo | 2 | 2% | $46,880 |
| 2 | Cathedral City | 1 | 2% | $54,047 |
| 3 | Kokomo | 1 | 2% | $55,386 |
Shawn Steadman: Having a degree is now becoming a preliminary requirement in the industry. However, the expectation that is becoming more prevalent is a combination of degree and experience. Experience can be gained by volunteering with agencies and organizations during the degree seeking years. This will provide the graduate with an advantage when looking for a position after graduation. In addition, don’t forget the openings in the private sector, not just the public sector. Many organizations perform the same functions as traditional public emergency managers but refer to it as risk management and business continuity. It is no surprise that private sector entities can offer more attractive salaries. There are direct correlations to the financial impact of disasters on their specific organization.
Shawn Steadman: The industry or field is growing exponentially. More and more organizations are realizing the value of emergency management and homeland security professionals in aiding their planning and operations. An area experiencing extreme growth is situational awareness and, more specifically, GIS and AI in assisting Command in managing disasters. This influx of technology includes the use of small, uncrewed aviation systems (sUAS) or drones and cyber security. There should be a balance between management skills and technological skills for individuals in the field. This rapid growth and technological advancement present exciting opportunities for learning and career development.
Shawn Steadman: The career path chosen is limited only by a graduate’s interest. If you can imagine an entire community affected by an incident, the amount of coordination and collaboration to mitigate, prepare, respond, and recover between all facets of a community is sometimes mind-boggling. Instead of protecting and saving a single or small group of individuals, the field is responsible for saving extremely large amounts of the population. Life safety is the primary objective, and the public expects this from the field. However, the public also expects members of the field to protect and respond to infrastructure and physical assets, including those assets that may have disastrous effects on the economy.
Matthew Claflin: Candidates can increase their salary potential by obtaining higher education and certifications. Most fire departments in the country will have monetary benefits and salary increases for candidates who hold degrees related to Fire and Emergency Services, and extra certifications like Paramedic certifications, Hazardous Materials Technician, Tactical EMS, High-Angle Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, etc. It is important to note that new candidates will have a better chance of being promoted to higher ranks within organizations when they hold more certifications and degrees related to the fire and emergency services field. Promoting within organizations also means increases in salaries.
Matthew Claflin: Experience with EMS, specifically paramedic abilities and licensure, will be the most valuable asset for potential new hires. Due to aging populations, fire departments in the country are seeing a large increase in emergency medical calls. The need for paramedics with experience will be critical over the next 3-5 years.
Matthew Claflin: Obtain as many certifications as possible to make yourself marketable for employment. New people entering the fire service should apply to as many organizations as possible. Full-time career departments still only make up about 30% of fire departments in the country, so it is essential to cast a broad net to obtain potential employment opportunities.
Elyse Zavar PhD: Prior to entering the field, gaining hands-on experience through internships and volunteer opportunities can help new professionals not only stand out in the job market, but many employers will recognize and count these as years of experience thus increasing salaries. When offered a position, research comparable salaries and do not be afraid to negotiate salary, among other benefits, when discussing a job offer.