EMT in Kentucky

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

Median annual salary

$36,050

trending_down -12.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Kentucky.

engineering

3,190

Jobs (KY)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$70

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Kentucky

To become a certified EMT in Kentucky, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams. The Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS) handles certification, which requires applicants to be at least 18 years old (or 16 for student status with specific academic requirements) and undergo a criminal background check. Kentucky offers reciprocity for EMTs licensed in specific neighboring states, those with NREMT certification, or eligible military personnel.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $27,290

25th percentile $30,560

50th (median) $36,050

75th percentile $40,830

90th (experienced) $52,860

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

checklist Kentucky requirements

Licensing body	Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS)
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($70)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old, or 16 for student status with a high school diploma/GED or current high school enrollment with a GPA over 2.0. Requires a criminal background check (Viewpoint Screening for initial applicants, AOC for renewals). Also requires completion of KBEMS-approved training in HIV/AIDS, Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (PAHT), and Awareness of Sexual Violence (ASV). Must hold a driver's license or learner's permit and not have felony convictions. CPR certification is also required.

Source: Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS)

workspace_premium Kentucky license tiers

Kentucky 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_circleKentucky 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 Kentucky? expand_more

To become an emt in Kentucky, you need to complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.), and pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

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

Kentucky mandates state licensure for emts. Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS) oversees the process, which includes passing the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

What is the average emt salary in Kentucky? expand_more

emts in Kentucky earn a median of $36,050 annually. — 13% under the $41,340 national average. Wages range from $27,290 (10th percentile) up to $52,860 (90th percentile).

How expensive is emt licensing in Kentucky? expand_more

Between exam fee ($70), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

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

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

How many CE hours do emts need in Kentucky? expand_more

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