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Paramedic (public EMS) · California

Paramedic salary in California

Paramedics in California earn a median $74,590 a year across all employers.

$74,590
median pay in CA, all employers
5,190
workers in CA (SOC 29-2043)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Pay in California, all employers Sourced

Paramedics (SOC 29-2043) in California, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.

MeasureCA
Workers5,190
10th percentile$53,370
Median$74,590
90th percentile$102,450
National median, government employers$61,780

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Pension in California

Local employees

PlanAccrualNormal retirementEmployee paysSocial Security
CalPERS Public Agency & School Miscellaneous - 2% at 62 (PEPRA)
PEPRA new member, local miscellaneous 2% at 62
2%age 62 with 5 years of serviceSet by the employerVaries

The statewide plan a new hire usually joins. Some cities and counties run their own plans; check with the employer. Each plan's formula, vesting, cost-of-living adjustment and retiree health are on the California pension plans list.

Source: State retirement systems, Official state retirement system pages, member handbooks and statutes. Data captured October 2, 2026.

Free practice tests for California

Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.

More about this job

Requirements, hiring process, training, schedule and day-to-day work are on the national Paramedic (public EMS) page.

Paramedic (public EMS) in other states

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California government jobs · California public pension plans · police officer standards in California · exam practice in California