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.
Hiring process
The Philadelphia Fire Department hires only state-certified paramedics. See additional employment requirements.
Salary and benefits
As a paramedic’s career progresses, pay increases, and opportunities for advancement become available.
Salary
The annual salary for a first-year paramedic is $59,795. There are scheduled increases in pay to the present maximum of $91,352 a year.
Overtime is paid at the level of time and a half. There are opportunities for promotion, which include a raise in salaries. Paramedics are paid biweekly. Salary does not include your annual uniform allowance or holiday time.
Benefits
- Healthcare coverage
- Retirement pension
- Deferred compensation (457b Plan)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid vacation
- Paid training
- Career advancement
Employment requirements
Residency
The Civil Service Commission has waived the usual requirement that candidates must be residents of Philadelphia for a year prior to appointment. Establishment of residency in Philadelphia will be required no later than 18 months after appointment.
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.