EMT in California

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

Median annual salary

$45,680

trending_up +10.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, California.

engineering

19,020

Jobs (CA)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$179

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (EMT programs can range from a few weeks to several months, plus background check processing time)

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in California

To become an EMT in California, you must complete a state-approved EMT training program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. Certification is then issued by a Local EMS Agency (LEMSA), not the state, and requires a background check and a current CPR certification at the healthcare provider level. California recognizes NREMT certification and out-of-state EMS licenses for reciprocity, though local LEMSA requirements must still be met.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,370

25th percentile $40,290

50th (median) $45,680

75th percentile $58,410

90th (experienced) $76,630

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

checklist California requirements

Licensing body	California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) and Local EMS Agencies (LEMSA)
State license	Not required
Education	State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and current CPR at the healthcare provider level (e.g., AHA BLS Provider).
Exam	NREMT Cognitive Exam (Psychomotor exam is a state/local requirement) ($104)
Application fee	$75
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Certification is issued by one of California's 33 Local EMS Agencies (LEMSAs), not the state. Minimum age is 18. Requires a background check (Live Scan fingerprinting). Application fees vary by LEMSA, but a $75 state processing fee is common. Some LEMSAs may have additional local requirements. A Social Security Number is required by California law to complete the EMT certification process.

Source: California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) and Local EMS Agencies (LEMSA)

workspace_premium California license tiers

California 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?

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
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

What are the steps to becoming an emt in California? expand_more

In California, becoming an emt requires you to complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and current CPR at the healthcare provider level (e.g., AHA BLS Provider).), pass the NREMT Cognitive Exam (Psychomotor exam is a state/local requirement), and submit your application ($75 fee).

Do I need a license to work as an emt in California? expand_more

No state license is needed to work as an emt in California. Note: Certification is issued by one of California's 33 Local EMS Agencies (LEMSAs), not the state. Minimum age is 18. Requires a background check (Live Scan fingerprinting). Application fees vary by LEMSA, but a $75 state processing fee is common. Some LEMSAs may have additional local requirements. A Social Security Number is required by California law to complete the EMT certification process.

How much do emts make in California? expand_more

California emts bring home a median salary of $45,680. — 10% higher than the $41,340 national figure. New emts start around $37,370; seasoned professionals can reach $76,630.

What's the total cost to get emt certified in California? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($104) and application fee ($75) and required training.

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

In California, becoming an emt generally takes Varies (EMT programs can range from a few weeks to several months, plus background check processing time), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What's required to renew a emt license in California? expand_more

Yes — emts in California must complete 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.