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Bank tellers are the face of local bank branches. When you visit a bank in person, tellers welcome you in with a smile and help you with your transaction — whether you’re depositing a check or withdrawing cash from your savings account.

What are the job responsibilities like, and how much does a bank teller make an hour? Our in-depth guide to bank teller salaries and skills will help you determine if it’s the right career for you.

What Does a Bank Teller Do?

A bank teller’s job is to help customers complete financial transactions with their bank accounts. Tellers work in person at bank branches and can help with things like opening and closing accounts, and depositing and withdrawing funds.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

Bank Teller Job Responsibility Examples

What might a bank teller do in their day-to-day? Here are a few examples:

•   Greet customers as they enter the bank or credit union

•   Complete transactions through the bank drive-through

•   Help customers open a new checking or savings account

•   Answer calls and emails to offer customer service

•   Prepare money orders, savings bonds, and traveler’s checks for customers

•   Record transactions throughout their shift

•   Count the cash in their drawers at the beginning and end of a shift

•   Explain the various financial products offered by the bank

Bank Teller Skills

Here are some of the skills you’ll need to be a successful bank teller:

•   Positive attitude

•   Patience

•   Customer service

•   Clear communication

•   Math and money management

•   Sales

•   Technology

•   Willingness to learn

How Much Do Starting Bank Tellers Make?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average hourly wage for a bank teller is $17.69, but those just starting out should expect to make less. According to Indeed, bank tellers with less than a year of experience make $15.89 an hour on average, but that varies by location.

What Is the Average Salary for a Bank Teller?

The average salary for a bank teller is $36,800, but this varies by level of experience and by location. For instance, the BLS breaks down mean bank teller salaries by state:

•   How much does a bank teller make in California? $42,120 a year

•   How much does a bank teller make in Texas? $33,820 a year

•   How much does a bank teller make in Florida? $37,920 a year

Bank tellers earn the highest average annual salary in Washington state ($43,500) and the lowest average annual salary in West Virginia ($29,600). Check out the table below for insight into how much bank tellers make a year, or switch gears and research the highest paying jobs by state.

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of a Bank Teller Salary

A job as a bank teller has some pros, but there are a number of cons, like a low salary, to consider:

Pros

•   Career growth: The average hourly rate of a bank teller may not be as competitive as other entry-level salaries, but there’s plenty of room for advancement as a bank teller. Some tellers move up to head teller positions. Others move on to supervisory positions, become loan officers, or transition to sales.

•   Benefits: Although employees may not earn super competitive pay, bank tellers who work full-time can enjoy nice benefits from the bank, including health care, retirement plans, and paid time off.

•   Regular schedule: Many entry-level jobs, as in retail and restaurants, have unpredictable hours. Banks operate under normal business hours and are closed on Sundays (and bank holidays!). That means you’ll enjoy a more consistent schedule as a bank teller.

Recommended: Should We Raise the Minimum Wage?

Cons

•   Salary: While bank tellers can make good money — the top 10% make an average of $46,350 — the overall average falls below what the typical person with a high school diploma makes in a year in the U.S. Here are some of the best jobs without a college degree.

•   Job outlook: The BLS is predicting a 12% decline in job opportunities from 2021 to 2023. As more financial institutions switch to predominantly online banking experiences and shut down branches, job insecurity for bank tellers could be further undermined.

•   Draining job: Bank tellers must deliver an excellent customer experience every day. When customers are dealing with finances, it’s easy for them to become frustrated or upset — which can be draining for bank tellers who are trying to help. To be clear, this is not a job for antisocial people!

Recommended: What Trade Job Pays the Most Money?

The Takeaway

Bank tellers can make decent money, though there may be other jobs that require the same level of experience and education but pay more. However, hard-working bank tellers can often move up within the company and command better salaries.

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FAQ

Which bank pays the most for tellers?

According to data from Indeed, the financial institutions that pay the most for tellers include Bank of America, Logix Federal Credit Union, Avadian Credit Union, Investors Bank, and Chase.

What is the highest teller salary?

The top 10% highest paid bank tellers make an average annual salary of $46,350 — that’s $22.29 an hour. Bank tellers in Washington state, California, and Connecticut are the highest paid, on average.

Is it hard to be hired as a bank teller?

Because of the rise in online banking, it’s becoming more challenging to be hired as a bank teller. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that bank teller employment will decline 12% between 2021 and 2031.

That said, you don’t need a college degree to become a teller, and training is all on the job. This makes breaking into the career field easier for those without a secondary or vocational education.

Photo credit: iStock/Fly View Productions

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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The average salary for a construction worker in 2022 was $46,350, or $22.29 per hour. Construction workers are a crucial part of the labor force across the country, and the industry is expected to grow through the end of the decade. Without a formal education requirement, construction work can be a viable option for anyone uninterested in getting a college degree right after high school.

That said, construction labor can be grueling. The job is physically demanding and at times dangerous. You’ll need to consider your physical limitations before pursuing a career in construction work.

Knowing what your income will look like may be the most important consideration of all. We’ll break down the average construction worker starting salary, as well as their typical responsibilities and required skills, below.

What Do Construction Workers Do?

Construction crews work on building sites for new homes, multi-family units, commercial buildings, roads, and bridges. Following detailed plans, construction workers are responsible for taking apart old structures and erecting new ones.

Depending on the job site, construction workers may operate heavy machinery, use hand tools, and perform plumbing and electrical tasks.

Construction work requires significant strength, endurance, and tolerance for extreme temperatures. The industry also has one of the highest rates of injuries on the job, so construction laborers must be familiar with safety protocols.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

Construction Worker Job Responsibility Examples

What kinds of things might you be responsible for as a construction worker on a job site? Here are some examples:

•   Removing debris

•   Loading and unloading materials

•   Assembling bracing, scaffolding, and other temporary structures to help with the construction

•   Operating heavy machinery and using hand tools when building and taking apart structures

•   Digging trenches, compacting earth, and backfilling holes

•   Directing traffic

•   Driving work trucks (may require a CDL, or commercial drivers license)

•   Measuring and cutting materials

•   Conducting minor plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work

Construction Worker Skills

Though you don’t need a secondary education to be a construction worker, you’ll need to learn specific skills. You might learn some of these on the job:

•   Ability to use tools and operate machinery

•   Plumbing, electrical, carpentry, masonry, concrete, roofing, drywall, and/or demolition know-how

•   Knowledge of various safety protocols

•   Basic math and measurement

•   Hand-eye coordination

•   Physical strength and energy

In addition, construction workers must be able to problem-solve on the fly and must embrace teamwork. This is not a job for introverts!

How Much Do Starting Construction Workers Make?

Construction worker entry-level salaries vary by state, but you can expect pay to be on the lower end when just starting out. The bottom 10% of earners in the industry bring home about $29,700 per year.

If you’re entering the construction industry with a degree, you will likely make more starting out. With an education, you might go straight into construction management. The bottom 10% of construction managers earn $62,210 a year. The average annual salary is $112,790.

Recommended: Is $100,000 a Good Salary?

What Is the Average Salary for a Construction Worker?

The average salary for a construction worker in 2022 was $46,350, but rates vary significantly across the country. The average hourly rate for a construction worker is $22.29 per hour. Total income is about the same whether you get a salary vs. hourly pay.

As you’d expect, areas with a higher cost of living (think California, New York, and Hawaii) generally have more competitive pay than areas with a lower cost of living (states like Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas).

How much do construction workers make in California? $56,210, on average. In New York, the mean salary is even higher, at $59,280 a year. But it’s Hawaii where construction workers make the most money on average: $66,650.

Check out the following table for additional state insights:

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Construction Worker Salary

Being a construction worker has some advantages, but there are also drawbacks to consider:

Pros

•   Higher than average salary: The average salary for someone without a college degree is just over $37,000. Construction workers earn more than $9,000 a year over that, without any formal education — and without any student loan debt.

•   Job growth: The job market is projected to grow by 4% from 2021 to 2031, meaning there should be ample opportunities available.

•   Flexibility: Construction jobs are available across the country. If you want to relocate somewhere else, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a job.

Recommended: Should We Raise the Minimum Wage?

Cons

•   Difficult work: Construction labor can be physically demanding. It may lead to injury and illness, and you can leave job sites tired and sore each day.

•   Less money: Construction workers make significantly less money than construction managers. If you’re able to get a bachelor’s degree in construction management, you may earn more money over your lifetime.

•   Long-term career options: As you age, you may become less equipped to keep up with the physical demands of the job. This could force an early retirement, right when you should be in your earning prime. You may instead need to look for a work-from-home job for retirees to ensure you have enough income until you’re eligible for Social Security benefits and other retirement income.

The Takeaway

Construction workers can make decent money over the course of their careers, and you won’t have to take out a student loan to get a degree to land a job. However, the work can be exhausting and lead to injury. Weigh all the pros and cons carefully before starting a career as a construction worker.

FAQ

How much do most construction workers make?

How much money a construction worker makes depends on where they live and their level of experience. However, the average construction laborer brings in $46,350 a year.

Who is the highest paid construction worker?

Hawaii has the highest paid construction workers, with an average salary of $66,650. However, the top 10% of construction workers in New Jersey outpace the earnings of the top 10% in Hawaii, bringing home $101,360 a year. Across the country, the top 10% highest paid construction workers average an annual salary of $72,430.

What job pays the best in construction?

Pipeline transportation of natural gas is the highest paying job in construction, with laborers earning $81,670 a year on average. Other high-paying construction jobs include electric power generation, transmission, and distribution; construction support services; construction work for medical and surgical hospitals; and rail transport construction.

Photo credit: iStock/damircudic

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Being a train conductor allows you to take people and essential goods where they need to go, see the country, and get paid while doing it. In fact, a competitive salary is often one of the big draws of the field. But just how much does a train conductor make? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for a train conductor is $68,180.

If that salary sounds appealing, keep reading to learn what train conductors do, how much they stand to make in different states, and the pros and cons of the job.

What Is a Train Conductor?

If you’ve ever dreamed of yelling “all aboard” and taking the wheel of a train, then you may find satisfaction as a train conductor. This type of trade job is responsible for organizing and overseeing various activities within a railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar locations. They play a vital role in coordinating the actions of the train crew, whether on passenger trains or freight trains. Additionally, yardmasters take charge of reviewing train schedules and switching orders while ensuring smooth coordination among workers involved in railroad traffic operations, including train assembly, disassembly, and yard switching tasks.

Working as a train conductor can be stressful and requires attention to detail. However, introverts may find that they love this job as it requires minimum interactions with other people.

Recommended: 15 Entry-Level Jobs for Antisocial People

How Much Is a Train Conductor’s Starting Salary?

How much money does a train conductor make? According to the latest BLS data, annual salaries range from a low of $49,680, which is most likely what entry-level conductors earn, all the way up to $88,230 or more. As workers gain more years of experience, they can expect to see their salary increase. At the very least, they should always expect to make the minimum wage in their state.


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What Is the Average Salary for a Train Conductor?

While most people don’t focus their job search on trying to find the highest-paying job in their state, it’s a good idea to do salary research before pursuing a new career path.

So how much does a train conductor make per hour? Typically, train conductors earn a median hourly wage of $32.78, but that rate differs by state. Take a look at the following table to get an idea of what train conductors can earn in different states.

Recommended: Is a $100,000 Salary Good?

Train Conductor Benefits & Job Considerations

Most train conductors work full time and are eligible for employer benefits on top of their salary. Benefits like health insurance and paid time off can be valuable and increase the overall value of a compensation package.

Savvy employers know that alongside offering a competitive salary, a robust benefits package can attract and retain top talent. Common employee benefits that train conductors may expect to see include:

•   Health insurance

•   Dental insurance

•   Vision insurance

•   Flexible spending account

•   Paid time off

•   Employee assistance program

•   Life and disability insurance

•   Retirement savings plan

Pros and Cons of Train Conductor Salary

Like any job, working as a train conductor comes with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages that are worth being aware of.

Pros

•   Minimal educational requirements, making it accessible to a broader range of individuals

•   Job training is provided by employers, allowing for on-the-job skill development

•   Regular rest hours are enforced, ensuring a reasonable work-life balance

Cons

•   Federal licensure requirements add an additional step to the process

•   The job can be physically demanding, especially in challenging weather conditions

•   Work weeks may extend beyond the standard 40 hours, leading to potential overtime hours

•   Irregular scheduling is common, which can make it challenging to maintain a consistent routine

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

The Takeaway

Considering a job as a train conductor? Though rewarding, this line of work is also high stakes, and anyone considering this career path needs to be prepared to take the responsibility seriously. It’s also important to understand what the position typically pays and what your earning potential could be. The median annual salary train conductors earn is $68,180, but train conductors with many years of experience can expect to earn more than this.

FAQ

What is the highest paying railroad job?

If someone is looking to make the most money possible as a train conductor, they may want to consider working for their state government. According to BLS data, train conductors who work for state governments earn a median salary of just over $100,000 per year.

Do train conductors make six figures?

How much does a train conductor make per year, and can they earn a six-figure salary? The good news is that it is possible to earn six figures as a train conductor. While the average train conductor earns a median salary of $68,180, train conductors employed by state governments earn a median of $100,770 each year.

What is the average age for a train conductor?

Many people find fulfilling careers as train conductors at all different ages. That said, the average age for a train conductor is 41.

Photo credit: iStock/Laser1987

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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If someone has a love of animals and is looking to embark on a rewarding new career path, they may consider becoming a vet tech. While earning potential is not the only reason to pursue a career, it’s helpful to get an idea of a possible salary range before working towards a career as a vet tech. So, how much does a vet tech make? According to the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for a vet tech is $36,850.

Read on to learn more about how much vet techs make, how salaries vary by state, and what this type of job entails.

What Is a Vet Tech?

Vet techs, also known as veterinary technologists and technicians, work in veterinary clinics and hospitals, under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. A vet tech can help with a wide variety of tasks around the office, such as obtaining patient case histories, collecting specimens, assisting in diagnostic and surgical procedures, and preparing animals and equipment for surgery. Other vet techs tasks may include:

•   Ensure humane care of animals

•   Provide specialized nursing care

•   Bathe and groom animals

•   Expose and develop X-rays

•   Collect and perform laboratory tests

•   Restrain animals during exams or procedures

•   Provide client education

Working as a vet tech can be a good fit for introverts, as the role allows for a significant amount of one-on-one interaction with animals. However, it’s important to note that there will still be some degree of interaction with pet owners and colleagues.

Recommended: 15 Entry-Level Jobs for Antisocial People

How Much Is a Vet Tech’s Starting Salary?

How much money does a vet tech make? The answer to that question depends on many different factors, such as how much experience someone has.

The median annual wage for a vet tech is $36,850, but salaries can range from $28,370 to $48,100. Generally speaking, entry-level vet techs earn lower salaries at first, though they’ll likely earn at least the minimum wage.

The type of employer can also impact how much a vet tech earns. Junior colleges, colleges, universities, or professional schools, for instance, tend to pay more (around $46,780 per year) than social advocacy organizations (around $35,480 per year), according to the latest BLS data.


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What Is the Average Salary for a Vet Tech?

An annual salary is one figure to consider. But how much can a vet tech make an hour? The median hourly pay rate for a vet tech nationwide is $17.72 per hour, though that rate — and the annual salary — can vary greatly by state.

For example, the annual median salary for vet techs in California is $47,880, which is much more competitive than in, say, West Virginia, where the median salary is $29,850.

Recommended: Salary vs. Hourly Pay: How Their Pros and Cons Compare

Vet Tech Benefits & Job Considerations

On top of being paid for their labor, many vet techs also receive a suite of benefits that enhances their overall compensation package. Full-time vet techs often qualify for medical and dental insurance, as well as 401(k) retirement plans and paid sick days or vacation time.

Some unique benefits that come with working in this industry can also include discounted pet care or continuing education reimbursements.

Pros and Cons of a Vet Tech Salary

Before pursuing a career as a vet tech, you may want to consider the advantages and disadvantages associated with this career path.

Pros

•   Work with animals all day

•   Usually qualifies for health insurance

•   Can make a difference in a pet’s life

•   Fast-growing career field (projected to grow 20 percent from 2021 to 2031)

Cons

•   Physically demanding work

•   Potentially dangerous

•   Can be emotionally draining

•   May have to work nights, holidays, or weekends

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

The Takeaway

The median annual salary for vet techs is $36,850 per year. But as they progress in their career and gain specialties, these professionals can expect to earn more. Many people find working as a vet tech to be a fun and rewarding job, especially if they love animals. While it can be a hard job and may often be physically (and emotionally) demanding, it also provides opportunities to care for animals. And that can feel really good at the end of the day.

FAQ

What is the highest-paid vet tech?

One question potential vet techs likely have top of mind is how much a vet tech makes? According to the BLS, the median annual wage for veterinary technologists and technicians is $36,850. But it’s possible to earn more than $48,100 per year as a vet tech.

Is vet tech a stressful job?

Being a veterinary technician can be a demanding and sometimes stressful job. They often work in fast-paced environments, handle emotional situations with owners, and may encounter challenging cases or emergencies. However, the fulfillment of helping animals and the satisfaction of making a positive impact can also make it a rewarding career.

What state pays the best for vet techs?

How much someone stands to earn as a vet tech depends on a couple of different factors, including where they live. The District of Columbia pays vet techs the most, with median salaries reaching $50,130. Vet techs in Washington state ($49,940) and Alaska ($49,330) earn the next best salaries in the countries.

Photo credit: iStock/AnnaStills

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Working as a paramedic is a rewarding career path for many. Though the job is often about more than just the money, it is possible for paramedics to earn a living. The median annual wage for paramedics is $46,770, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Keep reading for insights into a paramedic’s salary.

What Is a Paramedic?

A paramedic provides emergency medical services to individuals when they’re injured or sick. They may also be responsible for transporting people to the hospital, where they can receive further medical treatment. Because medical emergencies can happen any time of day, paramedics often work nights, holidays, and weekends. Many work 40 hours a week, if not more.

To become a paramedic, you usually must meet certain postsecondary educational requirements, which can vary by state.

How Much Is a Paramedic’s Starting Salary?

How much does a paramedic make a year? While the median annual salary for paramedics is $46,770, entry-level salaries may be lower. As with most jobs, a paramedic’s pay rate should become more competitive as they progress in their career.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

Recommended: Is a $100,000 Salary Good?

What Is the Average Salary for a Paramedic?

If you’re considering going into emergency medical services — and thinking about the long shifts that are often involved — you may be wondering how much a paramedic makes an hour.

According to BLS data, paramedics earn a median hourly rate of $17.76. But how much they actually earn depends on how many hours they work, how experienced they are, and where they live.

In fact, salaries can differ greatly by state. For example, the annual mean wage of a paramedic in California is $71,470. In Alabama, it’s $37,820.

It’s understandable that some paramedics earn more based on where they live, as the cost of living can vary a lot by state. At the very least, paramedics can expect to earn the minimum wage.

The following table breaks down the mean annual wage for paramedics by state.

Recommended: Salary vs. Hourly Pay: How Their Pros and Cons Compare

Paramedic Benefits & Job Considerations

Alongside earning a paycheck, paramedics may also receive valuable benefits such as:

•   Healthcare, dental, and vision insurance

•   Paid time off

•   Sick leave

•   Retirement plans

Pros and Cons of a Paramedic Salary

If someone is debating whether or not to pursue a career path as a paramedic, they’ll want to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of the job.

Pros

•   Potential career growth. It is anticipated paramedic jobs will grow by 7 percent by 2031, and there will be around 20,000 new openings for paramedics and EMTs every year over the next decade.

•   Fulfillment. Helping people for a living and saving lives can be very fulfilling ways to spend a career.

Cons

•   Physically demanding. Working as a paramedic can require a lot of lifting, bending, and kneeling, which can take a physical toll.

•   Dangerous. Working with the sick can expose you to diseases and viruses and potentially increase your risk of injuries.

•   Hectic work schedule. Not only are paramedics expected to work odd hours, their time on the job can be very busy and stressful, with life-or-death stakes. Shifts can also be long and last up to 24 hours. This may also not be a great job for introverts, as working as a paramedic requires interacting a lot with patients and teammates.

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

The Takeaway

Pursuing a career as a paramedic requires a secondary education, a lot of hard work, and the ability to work odd hours. The role can be very stressful, as the stakes are quite high when delivering emergency medical services. However, with a median annual salary of $46,770, working as a paramedic can also be a reliable and rewarding way to earn a living. What’s more, you may find that as your career progresses, your earning potential will grow as well.

FAQ

What are the highest-paid paramedics?

Exactly how much money does a paramedic make? That depends on how much experience the paramedic has, among other factors. The highest 10 percent of top-earning paramedics earn more than $47,580.

Can a paramedic make six figures?

It is unlikely a paramedic will earn a salary of $100,000 or more, but is not impossible. Typically, the highest-paid paramedics work in general medical and surgical hospitals, and they earn a median annual salary of $47,000.

What is the lowest-paid paramedic?

On the low end, paramedics can earn less than $23,620. However, they can expect their salary to rise as they gain years of working experience.

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