Well, EMT-basic and paramedic are completely different things. Paramedics do get paid a pretty decent wage, on average somewhere around $40-50k/yr. Paramedics are trained in advanced life support and have to have a college dergree.

I think people get outraged when they hear that EMT-(basic) only make $10/hr, but they don't understand that it only takes like 12 weeks to become EMT-basic certified. Their scope varies by state but generally they're not allowed to do any advanced life support, administer drugs, etc. Where I live EMT-basics literally aren't even allowed to ride on an ambulance.

I'm EMT-basic certified, worked as an EMT and as an ER tech so I think I'm qualified to comment. EMT basic = low skill, low education, low responsibility job, therefore they don't make a lot of money. If you want to make a career out of EMS you become a paramedic.