What to offer
An ambulance service that copies a national midpoint will lose paramedics to the fire department. Use this metro's median for someone new, and the 75th for someone who can run a truck as lead.
| Percentile | Metro | CA | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th | $66,140 | $63,490 | $49,660 |
| Median | $71,390 | $74,590 | $60,600 |
| 75th | $83,550 | $90,730 | $73,470 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
How hard this is to fill
This is the same score as the free check.
For one manager
Say the shift pattern, the call volume, and the protocols the crew works under. Ask how long the person has worked as the lead medic on a truck.
License and training
Every state licenses or certifies paramedics. Most use the National Registry paramedic exam as part of the path. Confirm your state EMS office's rules before you hire or start.
Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, EMTs and paramedics
Nearby metros
- San Jose, CA · 25 miles
- Salinas, CA · 30 miles
- San Francisco, CA · 59 miles
- Modesto, CA · 73 miles
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Job seekers: Paramedic jobs in Santa Cruz.
Questions
What do paramedics earn in Santa Cruz, CA?
In Santa Cruz, the May 2025 median for paramedics is about $71.4K, 18% over the U.S. median. The middle half runs from $66.1K to $83.6K.
Who hires paramedics in Santa Cruz?
Ambulance services, fire departments, and hospitals hire paramedics in Santa Cruz. Organizations on file in the provider extract include American Medical Response West, American Medical Transport.
How do I get licensed as a paramedic in California?
Start with the California EMS office. Most states use the National Registry exam as part of the path.
What should an ambulance service in Santa Cruz weigh when hiring?
Ask about lead experience and shift fit. Santa Cruz has about a third fewer of these workers than a typical metro. This metro is 4% under the California median.