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

Public safety

Oregon employs 1,210 paramedics, with a statewide median of $74,840 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.

What Paramedics Earn in Oregon (May 2025)

Oregon median pay: $74,840 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $51,850
Experienced (75th percentile): $82,320
Top earners (90th percentile): $95,900
Employed in Oregon: 1,210
U.S. median (for comparison): $58,410 (May 2024)

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

Salem: $77,460 (180 employed)
Eugene: $63,940 (60 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon

Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $74,840 median is worth closer to $72,379 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)

Oregon is projected to grow paramedics employment +14.1%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 60 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Oregon License and Certification Requirements

Paramedic license — regulated by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) — EMS & Trauma Systems.

First earn your EMT license.
Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program (1–2 years with field and hospital rotations).
Pass the NREMT-Paramedic exam and obtain Oregon paramedic licensure through OHA.

Official requirements: Oregon Health Authority (OHA) — EMS & Trauma Systems →

Training in Oregon

Paramedic is the pay/scope step up from EMT. Ambulance services, hospitals, and fire departments hire steadily.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Oregon include:

Blue Mountain Community College — Certificate
Carrington College-Portland — Associate
Central Oregon Community College — Certificate / Associate
Chemeketa Community College — Certificate / Associate

Where Paramedics Work in Oregon

Real Oregon EMS agencies that employ paramedics include:

East Umatilla County Health District — Athena
Oregon Air Life - Headquarters — Bend
Morrow County Health District - Boardman Station — Boardman
Cal - Ore Life Flight Ground — Brookings
Condon Ambulance Service — Condon
Med Trans of Oregon — Eugene

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 Oregon?

The median wage for paramedics in Oregon is $74,840 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $51,850, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $95,900. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Paramedic license, overseen by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) — EMS & Trauma Systems. First earn your EMT license.

Is being a Paramedic a good career in Oregon?

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

Which Oregon metros pay paramedics the most?

Among Oregon metro areas, Salem leads at $77,460, followed by Eugene ($63,940). 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 Oregon?

Real Oregon options include Blue Mountain Community College, Carrington College-Portland, Central Oregon Community College. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Paramedic a growing career in Oregon?

Oregon projects paramedics employment to change +14.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2043. Licensing summary compiled from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) — EMS & Trauma Systems (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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.