Salary varies widely from less than $25,550 for those in the lowest 10 percent wage bracket to more than $92,020 for those in the top 10 percent. Wages are highest in places like California that battle wildfires and pay firefighters an average salary of $84,370, per year.

Do first responders get paid well?

The average first responder salary varies based on your job. Police officers earn the highest median salary at $62,960, meaning half of all officers earn more and half receive less annual pay. ... The emergency medical responder salary is the lowest with a nationwide median of $33,380.

Why are EMTs paid so little?

Many EMS workers, a category which includes both EMTs and paramedics, say their low pay reflects a lack of appreciation for their work, which can be just as dangerous as and at times even more dangerous than the work of police officers and firefighters….