EMT in Iowa

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

Median annual salary

$39,260

trending_down -5.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Iowa.

engineering

1,210

Jobs (IA)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$134

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 months for training program, plus 2 weeks for application processing

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Iowa

To become a certified EMT in Iowa, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program, possess a high school diploma or GED, and hold a current Healthcare Provider level CPR/BLS certification with a practical skills component. After successfully completing the training, applicants must pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams. The certification process, overseen by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services, also requires a criminal background check and a state application fee.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,620

25th percentile $37,030

50th (median) $39,260

75th percentile $47,760

90th (experienced) $60,410

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

checklist Iowa requirements

Licensing body	Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and current Healthcare Provider level CPR/BLS certification with a practical skills component.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Application fee	$30
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Reciprocity	Iowa accepts NREMT or state certification for reciprocity, requiring documentation and meeting training standards.Reciprocal states: Iowa accepts NREMT certified EMS from another state for reciprocity and certification. Common requirements include a current and valid NREMT certification or state certification, meeting Iowa's training requirements, documentation of course completion, and a background check. Iowa is not currently a member of the EMS Compact (REPLICA).
Notes	Must be at least 17 years old to enroll in an EMT program. Requires a criminal background check (Iowa DCI and FBI) and a State of Iowa child/adult abuse registry check. Must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English. Some programs may require a physical and current vaccinations/immunizations.

Source: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Iowa? See whether Iowa recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our EMT license reciprocity guide.

workspace_premium Iowa license tiers

Iowa 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_circleIowa 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?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

arrow_forward

Compare EMT head-to-head

See all comparisons →

Considering an EMT vs another career? Side-by-side breakdowns of pay, training time, and licensing.

vs Paramedic

Pay, time, licensing compared

arrow_forward

vs Certified Nursing Assistant

Pay, time, licensing compared

arrow_forward

vs Radiology Technologist

Pay, time, licensing compared

arrow_forward

vs Medical Assistant

Pay, time, licensing compared

arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

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

The path to emt licensure in Iowa: complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and current Healthcare Provider level CPR/BLS certification with a practical skills component.), pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams, and submit your application ($30 fee).

Does Iowa require emt licensure? expand_more

Iowa mandates state licensure for emts. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services oversees the process, which includes passing the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

What is the average emt salary in Iowa? expand_more

The median emt salary in Iowa is $39,260 per year. This trails the $41,340 national median by 5%. The range spans from $34,620 at the entry level to $60,410 for top earners.

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

Between exam fee ($104) and application fee ($30), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How long does it take to become an emt in Iowa? expand_more

The typical timeline in Iowa is 3-6 months for training program, plus 2 weeks for application processing. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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

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