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

Public safety

Georgia employs 3,250 paramedics, with a statewide median of $57,660 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Georgia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Paramedics Earn in Georgia (May 2025)

Georgia median pay: $57,660 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $40,600
Experienced (75th percentile): $64,140
Top earners (90th percentile): $82,980
Employed in Georgia: 3,250
U.S. median (for comparison): $58,410 (May 2024)

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

Atlanta metro: $61,940 (1,490 employed)
Augusta: $61,830 (170 employed)
Savannah: $53,420 (110 employed)
Macon: $51,930 (70 employed)
Columbus: $49,610 (120 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Georgia

Prices in Georgia run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $57,660 median stretches to roughly $59,875 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Georgia (2024–2034)

Georgia is projected to grow paramedics employment +8.5%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 190 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Georgia License and Certification Requirements

Georgia Paramedic license — regulated by the Georgia DPH — Office of EMS and Trauma.

Become an EMT first, then complete an accredited paramedic program (technical colleges statewide).
Pass the NREMT exam; apply through Georgia's online License Management System with current CPR and ACLS cards.
Approval typically takes about a week once the application is complete.

Official requirements: Georgia DPH — Office of EMS and Trauma →

Training in Georgia

Georgia technical colleges run affordable paramedic programs, frequently HOPE-funded. Metro Atlanta fire departments and Grady EMS (one of the nation's busiest systems) hire aggressively.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Georgia include:

Albany State University — Certificate / Associate
Albany Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Andrew College — Associate
Athens Technical College — Certificate / Associate

Where Paramedics Work in Georgia

Real Georgia EMS agencies that employ paramedics include:

Bartow County Emergency Medical Services Station 10 — Adairsville
Mid Georgia Ambulance Service — Adel
Toomes County Emergency Medical Services Station 3 — Ailey
Berrien County Ambulance Service Station 2 — Alapaha
Dougherty County Emergency Medical Services - East Station — Albany
Dougherty County Emergency Medical Services - Headquarters — Albany

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 Georgia?

The median wage for paramedics in Georgia is $57,660 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $40,600, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $82,980. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Georgia Paramedic license, overseen by the Georgia DPH — Office of EMS and Trauma. Become an EMT first, then complete an accredited paramedic program (technical colleges statewide).

Is being a Paramedic a good career in Georgia?

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

Which Georgia metros pay paramedics the most?

Among Georgia metro areas, Atlanta metro leads at $61,940, followed by Augusta ($61,830), Savannah ($53,420). 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 Georgia?

Real Georgia options include Albany State University, Albany Technical College, Andrew College. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Paramedic a growing career in Georgia?

Georgia projects paramedics employment to change +8.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 190 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), Georgia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2043. Licensing summary compiled from the Georgia DPH — Office of EMS and Trauma (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 Georgia wages · Georgia 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.