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Working & jobs

Become a fire service paramedic

Philadelphia fire service paramedics save lives in emergencies. A paramedic will:

  • Respond to emergency calls from the public.
  • Provide life-saving treatment to permit safe transport to a full-service medical facility.
  • Comfort patients, family, and bystanders.
  • Cooperate with fire and police authorities.

Paramedics work on rotating shifts and may have to deal with difficult weather conditions. Their duties involve moderate physical effort.

The City is accepting paramedic applications now through August 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Apply now or read our FAQs about becoming a paramedic with the Philadelphia Fire Department

Hiring process

The Philadelphia Fire Department hires only state-certified paramedics. See additional employment requirements.

 

1
Apply online through the City's Office of Human Resources.
The process includes submitting all relevant documentation, including college transcripts, licenses, and certifications. You must also provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials.
2
Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials.
3
The list of qualified candidates is published about three weeks after the application period closes.
4
After being appointed to the Fire Department, paramedics must complete a 12-week training program at the Philadelphia Fire Academy.
5
Once paramedics have completed training, they are sworn in and assigned to a medic unit. Each new paramedic must complete a six-month probationary period.

Salary and benefits

Paramedics are paid biweekly and have access to health coverage, retirement benefits, and more.

Salary and other compensation

The annual salary for a first-year paramedic is $64,982. There are scheduled increases in pay to the present maximum of $99,276 a year. As your career progresses, there are opportunities for promotion, which include a raise in salary.

Additional compensation for this position includes a uniform allowance, holiday time, and other types of pay. Overtime is paid at the level of time and a half.

Benefits

  • Healthcare coverage
  • Retirement pension
  • Deferred compensation (457b Plan)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Paid vacation
  • Paid training
  • Career advancement

Employment requirements

Residency

On March 1, 2024, the City temporarily eliminated the residency requirements for new uniformed members of IAFF Local 22 in the Paramedic job title, employed by the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD). The rule is waived until PFD reaches 80% of the maximum staff capacity for this role.

Once PFD reaches 80% of its maximum staff capacity for Paramedics, candidates will need to meet the typical residency requirements. The Civil Service Commission typically requires candidates to be residents of Philadelphia for at least one year prior to their hire date.

Employees with five or more years of service with PFD aren’t required to live in Philadelphia. However, they must live in Pennsylvania (Civil Service Regulation 30.11-1.)

Education

High school graduate or GED

Physical and medical requirements

Ability to physically perform the duties and work in the environmental conditions required of the position.

Licensure

You must be a state-certified paramedic with a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license. Anyone with a suspended or revoked driver’s license will not pass the background investigation. Any applicant who possesses outstanding fees for traffic violations in the City of Philadelphia must make payment arrangements with Municipal Court’s Traffic Division.

Age

Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of hire.

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