Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Olympia, WA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 40.5% of gross income.
Olympia rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Washington cities have lower median rent than Olympia, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Olympia
View full rent data for Olympia, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Olympia, WA?
Median rent in Olympia is $2,008 a month. A typical paramedic in Washington earns about $59,562 a year, which makes that rent 40.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Olympia?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Washington (~$59,562/yr) supports up to $1,489 a month in rent. Olympia's current median rent is $2,008/mo, which is $519/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Olympia?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a paramedic in Washington works roughly 70.1 hours a month to cover Olympia's median rent of $2,008.
Where is rent cheaper than Olympia for a paramedic?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Auburn ($2,007/mo), Ridgefield ($2,007/mo), Washougal ($2,007/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.