The average annual salary for paramedics in Arizona and many other parts of the United States is approximately $51,100. However, this amount can vary, depending on where you work, your level of experience, and your employer.
Before you can work as a paramedic in Arizona, you have to be employed as an emergency medical technician (EMT) first. Your first concern is to find the right Arizona EMT online test prep program to help you pass the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) exam.
Once you have earned your EMT and advanced EMT (AEMT) certifications and worked in the field in those roles, you can advance to the paramedic level to increase your earnings. Compare EMT versus paramedic earning potential in Arizona to get a clear picture of what to expect.
What Determines How Much a Paramedic Earns in Arizona?
Your salary as a paramedic in Arizona is based on key factors, like your experience, your employer, and where you work. Understanding these factors will help you estimate your earning potential.
Level of Experience
Newly certified paramedics will earn less than a paramedic who has been practicing for years. According to the Salary platform, paramedics in Arizona with less than one year of experience earn approximately $45,400 per year, while their colleagues with over eight years of experience receive around $49,200 per year.
These numbers can vary, depending on the location. For example, entry-level paramedics in Fort Defiance, Fountain Hills, and Chandler can earn between $56,500 and $56,000 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.
Highly experienced paramedics in Vail, Fort Defiance, and Fountain Hills can earn between $58,000 and $56,000 annually. Your salary is likely to increase as you gain more experience.
Type of Employer
The entity you work for can influence how much you get paid. For instance, if you work for a private ambulance company, your salary is likely to be higher than that of a paramedic who works for a public entity like the fire department or municipality.
The average salary for a paramedic working for an ambulance services company in Arizona is approximately $51,000 per year, while their median hourly pay is about $25. The highest-paying companies pay their paramedics roughly $66,600 per year, while the lowest-paying companies pay around $41,000 annually.
Some private hospitals in Arizona pay their paramedics around $30 per hour, or an average annual salary of approximately $ 61,100. Public employers, such as paramedics employed by a fire department in Arizona, are typically unionized and receive an annual salary of $51,100.
Paramedics with specialized certifications, like flight paramedics and those working in areas where critical care is needed, can earn significantly more than their counterparts with basic certifications. According to ZipRecruiter, specialized hospital paramedic roles like pediatric personnel can earn you up to $114,200 per year.
Work Location
Salaries for paramedics in Arizona vary between cities, with Fort Defiance, Fountain Hills, and Chandler ranking the highest. You can earn approximately $56,500 per year working as a paramedic in Fort Defiance, while colleagues in Peoria earn $53,800 annually.
The difference is based on the cost of living in these cities as well as the local population. The higher the population, the higher the demand for medical emergency services, and consequently, the demand for higher pay by paramedics.
In Conclusion
The average annual pay for paramedics in Arizona is $51,100, while their median hourly pay is $24.60. These numbers are based on major factors, like level of experience, the employer, and the location where services are provided.
Ready to take the first step toward becoming a paramedic? The Paramedic Coach has all the resources you’ll need to prepare for–and ace–the certification exam!
