Registered Nurse vs EMT / Paramedic Salary
Side-by-side salary comparison for Registered Nurse and EMT / Paramedic — national medians, pay ranges, and city-by-city data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Registered Nurses earn more nationally
$93,600 median vs $41,340 — a $52,260/yr difference (56% lower)
Median Salary
$93,600
Salary Range
$66,030 – $135,320
10th–90th percentile
Median Salary
$41,340
Salary Range
$31,410 – $60,780
10th–90th percentile
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Registered Nurse or EMT / Paramedic pay more?▾
Registered Nurses earn more nationally, with a median salary of $93,600 versus $41,340 for EMT / Paramedic. That's a difference of about $52,260 per year.
What's the salary range for a Registered Nurse vs a EMT / Paramedic?▾
Registered Nurse salaries range from $66,030 (10th percentile) to $135,320 (90th percentile). EMT / Paramedic salaries range from $31,410 to $60,780.
Which career has more growth potential — Registered Nurse or EMT / Paramedic?▾
Salary growth depends on experience, specialization, location, and industry sector. Both roles show strong upper-quartile earnings. Check city-by-city data above — in some metros one role significantly outpaces the other, which often reflects local industry demand and competition.