EMT in Arkansas

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$31,710

trending_down -23.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.

engineering

1,230

Jobs (AR)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$100

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Arkansas

To become a certified EMT in Arkansas, individuals must successfully complete a state-approved EMT training program and pass both the Arkansas practical skills examination and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. The licensing body is the Arkansas Department of Health, Section of EMS. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to take the NREMT exam and will undergo state and federal criminal background checks. Arkansas offers a reciprocity process for NREMT-certified EMTs from other states, and automatic licensure may be available for uniformed service members, veterans, and their spouses.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $27,040

25th percentile $29,110

50th (median) $31,710

75th percentile $40,250

90th (experienced) $45,660

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arkansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Arkansas requirements

Licensing body	Arkansas Department of Health, Section of EMS
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($80)
Application fee	$20
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old to take the NREMT certification examination. Requires state and federal criminal background checks. Must maintain a current CPR BLS credential. High school students in their last semester may be eligible to attend concurrently with program advisor approval. Military applicants may be licensed based on National Registry certification and must provide a DD-214 or training information from their 201 file. Fees are subject to change, and applicants are advised to verify current fees.

Source: Arkansas Department of Health, Section of EMS

workspace_premium Arkansas license tiers

Arkansas offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:

Tier	Hours required
EMR	N/A
EMT	N/A
AEMT	N/A
Paramedic	N/A

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.1%

Faster than average

Annual openings

14,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

181,000

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleArkansas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)

psychology

Wondering if an emt career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as an emt in Arkansas? expand_more

In Arkansas, becoming an emt requires you to complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.), pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams, and submit your application ($20 fee).

Is an emt license required in Arkansas? expand_more

You cannot practice as an emt in Arkansas without a state license from Arkansas Department of Health, Section of EMS. The required exam is the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

How much do emts make in Arkansas? expand_more

The median emt salary in Arkansas is $31,710 per year. This trails the $41,340 national median by 23%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $27,040, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $45,660.

How expensive is emt licensing in Arkansas? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($80) and application fee ($20) and required training.

How many months or years does emt certification take in Arkansas? expand_more

Expect to spend 3-6 months from start to finish in Arkansas — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

Does Arkansas require continuing education for emts? expand_more

To keep your license active, Arkansas mandates 40.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.