Paramedic in Alaska: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Public safety

Alaska employs 310 paramedics, with a statewide median of $71,860 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Alaska licensing picture, and where to train.

What Paramedics Earn in Alaska (May 2025)

Alaska median pay: $71,860 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $53,820
Experienced (75th percentile): $85,230
Top earners (90th percentile): $103,550
Employed in Alaska: 310
U.S. median (for comparison): $58,410 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for paramedics in major Alaska markets:

Anchorage: $65,630 (160 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Alaska

Prices in Alaska run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $71,860 median is worth closer to $70,176 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Alaska (2024–2034)

Alaska is projected to grow paramedics employment +9.2%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 10 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Alaska License and Certification Requirements

Paramedic certification — regulated by the Alaska Dept. of Health — Office of EMS.

First earn your EMT certification.
Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program (1–2 years with field and hospital rotations).
Pass the NREMT-Paramedic exam and obtain Alaska paramedic certification through the Office of EMS.

Official requirements: Alaska Dept. of Health — Office of EMS →

Training in Alaska

Paramedic is the pay/scope step up from EMT. Alaska's remote communities create strong demand; ambulance services, hospitals, and fire departments hire.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Alaska include:

University of Alaska Anchorage — Certificate / Associate
University of Alaska Fairbanks — Certificate / Associate
University of Alaska Southeast — Certificate

Where Paramedics Work in Alaska

Real Alaska EMS agencies that employ paramedics include:

Akhiok Village Response Team — Akhiok
Akutan First Responders — Akutan
Aleknagik First Responders — Aleknagik
Alaska Air National Guard 176th Medical Squadron - Dod — Anchorage
Alaska Air National Guard 210th Air Rescue Squadron - Dod — Anchorage
Alaska Medical Support Team Incorporated — Anchorage

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: Calm, service-oriented people who can handle urgent, unpredictable work.

Think twice if: You need routine hours, low stress, or low physical demand.

Why it's resilient: Emergency response depends on physical presence, judgment under pressure, patient care, and local systems.

First Steps

Start with EMT training, then compare paramedic programs and local EMS employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do paramedics make in Alaska?

The median wage for paramedics in Alaska is $71,860 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $53,820, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $103,550. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Paramedic in Alaska?

Paramedic certification, overseen by the Alaska Dept. of Health — Office of EMS. First earn your EMT certification.

Is being a Paramedic a good career in Alaska?

Emergency response depends on physical presence, judgment under pressure, patient care, and local systems.

Which Alaska metros pay paramedics the most?

Among Alaska metro areas, Anchorage leads at $65,630. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Paramedic in Alaska?

Real Alaska options include University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Southeast. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Paramedic a growing career in Alaska?

Alaska projects paramedics employment to change +9.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Alaska statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2043. Licensing summary compiled from the Alaska Dept. of Health — Office of EMS (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Alaska wages · Alaska licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.