EMT in Louisiana

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

Median annual salary

$33,990

trending_down -17.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Louisiana.

engineering

2,290

Jobs (LA)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$134

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Louisiana

To become a licensed EMT in Louisiana, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and pass both the NREMT cognitive and a Louisiana Bureau of EMS psychomotor exam. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, undergo a criminal background check, and hold a valid CPR BLS credential. While Louisiana does not have direct reciprocity with other states, those with a current NREMT certification can apply for a Louisiana license.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $24,280

25th percentile $28,690

50th (median) $33,990

75th percentile $36,810

90th (experienced) $46,500

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

checklist Louisiana requirements

Licensing body	Louisiana Department of Health, Bureau of EMS
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Application fee	$30
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application for an EMT license. Requires a federal and state criminal background check. Maintain a valid CPR BLS credential. Fees may be waived for active U.S. Uniformed Service Members, federal government employees, and bona fide volunteer community responders.

Source: Louisiana Department of Health, Bureau of EMS

workspace_premium Louisiana license tiers

Louisiana 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_circleLouisiana 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 Louisiana? expand_more

Louisiana requires emts 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 ($30 fee).

Does Louisiana require emt licensure? expand_more

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

How much does an emt make in Louisiana? expand_more

The median emt salary in Louisiana is $33,990 per year. — 18% under the $41,340 national average. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $24,280, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $46,500.

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

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($104) and application fee ($30) and required training.

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

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

How many CE hours do emts need in Louisiana? expand_more

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