EMT in Colorado

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

Median annual salary

$43,950

trending_up +6.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Colorado.

engineering

3,420

Jobs (CO)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$154

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Colorado

To become a certified EMT in Colorado, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and be at least 18 years old. Key steps include passing the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams, undergoing a fingerprint-based background check, and holding a current Healthcare Provider level BLS CPR certification. While Colorado does not have direct reciprocity, it participates in the EMS Compact, allowing qualified EMS providers from other member states to practice under specific conditions.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,900

25th percentile $39,000

50th (median) $43,950

75th percentile $48,160

90th (experienced) $51,950

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

checklist Colorado requirements

Licensing body	Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 18 years old. Renewal requires maintaining NREMT certification or completing state-specific continuing education. A fingerprint-based background check and current CPR certification (Healthcare Provider level BLS) are also required. Colorado is part of the EMS Compact, which grants a privilege to practice for EMS providers from other member states under specific conditions.

Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

workspace_premium Colorado license tiers

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

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

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

The path to emt licensure in Colorado: 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 ($50 fee).

Does Colorado require emt licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as an emt in Colorado without a state license from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The required exam is the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

What do emts earn in Colorado? expand_more

emts in Colorado earn a median of $43,950 annually. This exceeds the $41,340 national median by 6%. Wages range from $37,900 (10th percentile) up to $51,950 (90th percentile).

How much does it cost to become an emt in Colorado? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($104) and application fee ($50) and required training.

What's the timeline to become an emt in Colorado? expand_more

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

How many CE hours do emts need in Colorado? expand_more

To keep your license active, Colorado mandates 40.0 CE hours every 3.0 years.