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Paramedic Salaries in North Carolina — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

The median paramedic salary in North Carolina is $51,110 per year, equivalent to $24.57/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. North Carolina employs approximately 5,330 paramedics statewide.

Paramedic salaries in North Carolina are below the national average by approximately $7,295. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.

Steady population growth across North Carolina keeps demand strong for paramedics, especially in metro areas.

North Carolina Paramedic Take-Home Pay Calculator

Interactive

Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in North Carolina after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$51,110
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$41,838

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — North Carolina Paramedic Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the North Carolina median of $51,110.

Your annual salary ($)

Paramedic Salary by Experience — North Carolina

Entry Level (0–2 years)$31,700/yr · $15.24/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in North Carolina.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$45,487/yr · $21.87/hr
Established professional working independently in North Carolina. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$56,732/yr · $27.27/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in North Carolina.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$73,600+/yr · $35.38/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in North Carolina.
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Paramedic Salary Trend in North Carolina — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Paramedic salaries in North Carolina have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in North Carolina's emergency medical services.

2021
$44,874
2022
$47,481
+5.8%
2023
$49,678
+4.6%
2024
$50,496
+1.6%
2026
$51,110
+1.2%

Paramedic Salary by City — North Carolina

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Charlotte$56,750$27.28+11.0%1,865
Raleigh$54,200$26.06+6.0%1,492
Greensboro$52,650$25.31+3.0%959
Durham$49,050$23.58-4.0%479
Winston-Salem$46,500$22.36-9.0%319
Fayetteville$44,450$21.37-13.0%213

Tip: Charlotte offers the highest paramedic salaries in North Carolina at $56,750/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

North Carolina vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, North Carolina sits in the mid-range for paramedics.

North Carolina — 4.5% state income tax$51,110 gross~$41,838 take-home
Virginia — 5.75%$58,570 gross+14.6% vs NC
Tennessee — no state tax$52,860 gross+3.4% vs NC
Georgia — 5.49%$51,740 gross+1.2% vs NC

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.

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Paramedic Job Outlook in North Carolina

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
5,330Currently employed
533+New jobs projected

Employment for paramedics in North Carolina is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the North Carolina job market. Steady population growth across North Carolina keeps demand strong for paramedics, especially in metro areas.

How to Earn More as a Paramedic in North Carolina

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a paramedic in North Carolina typically adds $41,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State EMS Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Charlotte pays paramedics $56,750/yr — +11.0% above the North Carolina average. Simply relocating within North Carolina can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Paramedics who specialise in emergency medical services typically command premium rates in North Carolina. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Virginia pays paramedics $58,570/yr — 14.6% vs North Carolina.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average paramedic salary in North Carolina?
The average paramedic salary in North Carolina is $51,110 per year, or $24.57 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $31,700 while experienced professionals earn $73,600 or more.
Which North Carolina city has the highest paramedic salary?
Charlotte pays paramedics the most in North Carolina at an average of $56,750 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does North Carolina stack up nationally for paramedic pay?
North Carolina paramedic salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $7,295. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
How much do paramedics actually take home after taxes in North Carolina?
A paramedic earning the North Carolina average of $51,110 takes home approximately $41,838 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
Is paramedic a good career in North Carolina?
Yes. Paramedic is a strong career choice in North Carolina with steady demand projected over the next decade. Steady population growth across North Carolina keeps demand strong for paramedics, especially in metro areas.
How do you become a licensed paramedic in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, paramedics are licensed through the State EMS Licensing Board. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State EMS Licensing Board for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.