Paramedics Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $49,290 -15.6% vs national
Median hourly $23.70
10th percentile $34,510
90th percentile $62,510
Employed locally 140
National median $58,410

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Paramedics
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,510
    25th
    $43,120
    50th (median)
    $49,290
    75th
    $60,860
    90th
    $62,510

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Paramedics salary vs area income 59% Median Paramedics salary is 41% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Paramedics

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $129,020
    Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $120,870
    Bellingham, WA $108,330
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $105,250
    Walla Walla, WA $102,430
    Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $101,950

    Nearby metros — Paramedics salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $101,950
    District of Columbia $80,950
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $72,620
    California $72,180
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $69,430
    Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $67,670

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $78,970
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $61,120
    Pharmacy Technicians $43,610
    Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $47,630
    Medical Records Specialists $52,370
    Physical Therapists $98,110

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Paramedics make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Paramedics in Des Moines, IA is $23.70, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $34.98 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Paramedics salaries?

    The median Paramedics salary in Des Moines, IA is 15.6% below the national median of $58,410. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Paramedics in Des Moines?

    Entry-level Paramedics (10th percentile) earn around $34,510 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $43,120.