How much does a paramedic make in Des Moines?
$61,980a year
Median yearly pay for paramedics in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area. That is $29.80 an hour or $5,165 a month.
- Hourly
- $29.80
- Vs. national median
- +2%
- Rank among cities
- 94 of 266
- Jobs in the area
- 190
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $45,930Median: $61,980Highest 10%: $72,760
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $45,930 | $22.08 | |
| 25th | $47,740 | $22.95 | |
| Median | $61,980 | $29.80 | |
| 75th | $63,700 | $30.63 | |
| 90th | $72,760 | $34.98 |
Other cities in Iowa
Median yearly pay for paramedics.
| Iowa City, IA | $66,090 |
| Omaha, NE | $56,130 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $55,130 |
| Sioux City, IA | $53,310 |
| Davenport, IA | $51,660 |
Related jobs in Des Moines
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Emergency Medicine Physician | $426,300 |
| Psychiatrist | $358,000 |
| Physician | $309,900 |
| Pediatrician | $271,200 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $265,200 |
| Anesthesiologist | $239,200 |
| Physician | $239,200 |
| Radiologist | $239,200 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $237,700 |
| Dentist | $209,300 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a paramedic make an hour in Des Moines?
The median hourly pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $29.80 ($61,980 a year).
Do paramedics make more in Des Moines than the national average?
Yes: $61,980 against $60,600 nationally, 2% more.
How does Des Moines compare with the rest of Iowa?
The median in Iowa is $60,590, so Des Moines pays 2% more.
Where does Des Moines rank for paramedic pay?
94 of 266 metro areas with data.
How much does a paramedic make starting out in Des Moines?
The lowest-paid 10% make $45,930 or less a year; the top 10% make $72,760 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.