Paramedic vs Medical Lab Scientist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Paramedic
Provide emergency medical care and transportation to critically ill patients.
Medical Lab Scientist
Perform laboratory tests on patient samples to aid clinical diagnosis.
Medical Lab Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $22,007/year (46%) higher than a Paramedic. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Paramedic vs Medical Lab Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Paramedic | Medical Lab Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $70,590 | $103,069 | Paramedic $32,479 |
| New York, NY | $58,936 | $87,047 | Paramedic $28,111 |
| Seattle, WA | $70,025 | $102,380 | Paramedic $32,355 |
| Austin, TX | $55,223 | $79,439 | Paramedic $24,216 |
| Chicago, IL | $51,127 | $75,418 | Paramedic $24,291 |
| Boston, MA | $63,402 | $90,176 | Paramedic $26,774 |
| London, UK | £37,374 | £55,328 | Paramedic $17,954 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$62,016 | CA$91,433 | Paramedic $29,417 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Paramedic or Medical Lab Scientist earn more?+
A Medical Lab Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Paramedic is $48,150/year, compared to $70,157/year for a Medical Lab Scientist — a difference of $22,007 (46%).
Which has better career growth — Paramedic or Medical Lab Scientist?+
Paramedic roles are growing at 5% YoY while Medical Lab Scientist demand is growing at 7% YoY. Medical Lab Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Paramedic to Medical Lab Scientist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Paramedic or Medical Lab Scientist?+
Paramedic has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.