EMT in Georgia

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

Median annual salary

$39,250

trending_down -5.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Georgia.

engineering

5,740

Jobs (GA)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$179

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Georgia

To become an EMT in Georgia, you must complete a state-approved EMT training program and hold a high school diploma or GED. You'll need to pass both the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams, and then apply for licensure through the Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of EMS and Trauma. A criminal background check and proof of lawful U.S. residency are also required. While Georgia does not have a direct reciprocity process, current NREMT certification can facilitate licensure for out-of-state applicants, and Georgia is part of the EMS Compact, which grants a Privilege to Practice for licensees from other compact states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,510

25th percentile $35,290

50th (median) $39,250

75th percentile $45,930

90th (experienced) $49,170

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

checklist Georgia requirements

Licensing body	Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of EMS and Trauma
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Application fee	$75
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old. Requires a criminal background check through the Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS) using Idemia (IdentoGO) and Service Code 2TGJY5. Must also provide proof of lawful U.S. residency and a current CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider level.

Source: Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of EMS and Trauma

workspace_premium Georgia license tiers

Georgia 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_circleGeorgia 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

What's required to work as an emt in Georgia? expand_more

In Georgia, 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 ($75 fee).

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

Yes, Georgia requires a state license to practice as an emt. The licensing body is Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of EMS and Trauma. You must pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

How much do emts make in Georgia? expand_more

Georgia emts bring home a median salary of $39,250. That's 5% below the national median of $41,340. The range spans from $30,510 at the entry level to $49,170 for top earners.

How expensive is emt licensing in Georgia? 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 quickly can I become an emt in Georgia? expand_more

Most candidates in Georgia complete the process in 3-6 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Does Georgia require continuing education for emts? expand_more

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