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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 Office of Human Resources last accepted paramedic applications from January 8, 2024, through January 19, 2024. If you’d like to be contacted when the next application period opens, fill out a job interest form.

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

As a paramedic’s career progresses, pay increases, and opportunities for advancement become available.

Salary

The annual salary for a first-year paramedic is $61,888. There are scheduled increases in pay to the present maximum of $94,549 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.

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