Paramedic Jobs in Iowa
Paramedic jobs in Iowa draw consistent demand from emergency medical services agencies, hospital systems, and air medical programs, with openings at every level from entry-level EMT-Paramedic to flight paramedic and EMS supervisor. The busiest hiring markets are Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, where employers such as MercyOne, UnityPoint Health, and Air Methods maintain ongoing paramedic needs. Industrial response, rural EMS coverage, and critical care transport are the most in-demand specialties across the state. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Paramedic JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 57+ Paramedic jobs











External Applicants Earn up to $4,500 Sign on Bonus!
Work Shift
Rotating shiftsScheduled Weekly Hours
24Summary
This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care through participation in the interdisciplinary team. The Paramedic performs designated procedures under the supervision of a Registered Nurse as well as responding to ever changing and emergent situations within the unit.Job Description
Job Duties
- Functions under the general supervision/direction of a supervising RN/Physician and is responsible for facilitating the provision of patient care which is goal directed.
- Performs accurate measurement of patient statistics to include vitals, height and weight.
- Manages room turnover and patient flow.
- Collects health history and medication list.
- Escribes orders.
- Prepares patient for physician exam.
- Instructs patients as directed by the RN or physician.
- Administers oral, IV, SubQ and IM medications.
- Demonstrates basic knowledge of medication purpose, side effects and administration procedure.
- Practices standard precautions.
- Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.
Pediatric Unit
- Demonstrates an understanding of the principles of asepsis and consistently maintains sterile technique.
- Demonstrates basic anatomy related to procedures.
- Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents, and injuries.
- Performs IV/IO insertion, NG/OG tubes and foley catheters in adult and pediatric patients once trained by MMC personnel.
- Covers for the primary RN during breaks; assist with assignments as directed by primary RN. Completes primary and on-going physical/psychosocial assessments of patients. Including pain reassessments.
- Assists the primary RN as the second staff in verifying various medication and infusions.
- Administers (and wastes as appropriate) various intravenous medications to include narcotics for pain management and IV fluids.
- Transports patients with blood products hanging.
- Receives critical lab values and follows Critical Results in Test policy.
- Performs lab draws and point of care testing on adults and pediatric patients.
- Performs standard newborn testing and documentation such as metabolic, CCHD, hearing screening.
- Assures that all specimens are correctly labeled and taken to lab/pathology in a timely manner.
- Collaborates with Sterile Processing PRN to maintain optimal inventory of clean instruments.
- Responsible for all quality control checks per unit policy including blanket and fluid warmers, glucometers, and medical gases.
- Participates in inventory control of supplies through expiration date, par level checks and communication with authorized Pediatrics personnel for ordering of supplies; stocks and rotates supplies as needed in supply areas, carts, and rooms.
- May be trained to perform charge duty responsibilities on pediatrics.
- Other duties as assigned, including floating to other hospital departments.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrates critical thinking skills and abilities.
- Sound background in emergency medical care.
- Demonstrates ability to provide safe and effective patient care.
Professional Experience
- Previous patient care/paramedic experience preferred.
Education
- Education or related experience sufficient to obtain required licensure.
Licensure, Certification, Registration
- Required: Current certification of Critical Care Paramedic.
- Required: Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) in accordance with the American Heart Association.
- Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse/Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training required. Employee must submit certification of completed training to Human Resources prior to start or transfer date.
- Pediatric Unit- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) must be obtained prior to the completion of orientation.
Physical Requirements
Pay Rate Type
HourlyMercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years.
Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
See All 57 Paramedic Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Paramedic JobsParamedic Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Paramedic Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in paramedic jobs across Iowa.
- Active Iowa EMT-Paramedic license or National Registry Paramedic certification recognized in Iowa
- Current CPR and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification from an accredited provider
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record required for field operations
- High school diploma or GED plus completion of an accredited paramedic training program
- Demonstrated ability to perform patient assessments and advanced life support interventions
- Strong communication skills for coordinating with hospital staff and dispatch personnel
Paramedic Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a paramedic in Iowa?
You become a paramedic in Iowa by completing an accredited paramedic education program and passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians cognitive and psychomotor exams, then applying for licensure through the Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. Iowa recognizes National Registry certification as the basis for state licensure, so passing the NREMT is the central step before you can work as a licensed paramedic in the state.
How much do paramedics make in Iowa?
Paramedics in Iowa earn a median of about $60,590 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $47,750 for the lowest 10% to over $78,140 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire paramedics in Iowa?
Iowa paramedic roles are posted by Medcor, UnityPoint Health, and MercyOne and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Large health systems and air medical operators account for a significant share of Iowa's ongoing paramedic hiring, particularly in the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids corridors.
Which Iowa cities have the most paramedic jobs?
Des Moines, Anamosa, and Ottumwa have the most paramedic openings in Iowa right now. Des Moines concentrates the largest share of postings because of its major hospital networks and busy urban EMS volume, while Cedar Rapids and Davenport generate steady demand through regional medical centers and river-corridor industrial response programs that require dedicated paramedic coverage.
Are there remote paramedic jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Paramedic work is inherently hands-on and field-based, so the overwhelming majority of roles require on-site presence. About 0% of paramedic openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions tend to be in EMS education, quality improvement, or medical dispatch coordination rather than direct patient care.
How can I get hired as a paramedic in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing your Iowa EMT-Basic or EMT-Advanced license first and working for a county or municipal EMS agency while completing a bridge paramedic program. UnityPoint Health and MercyOne affiliates in Iowa occasionally hire new paramedic graduates into supervised field training roles, and volunteer fire-based EMS departments in rural counties often bring on candidates with limited field hours. Having your National Registry certification and a clean driving record gives you a clear edge when applying to these entry-level positions.
Where can I find and apply to paramedic jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to paramedic jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings from employers hiring right now. Search the listings for roles that match your licensure level and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that fit your background and location.
See All 57 Paramedic Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Paramedic Jobs