EMT in Massachusetts

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

Median annual salary

$45,970

trending_up +11.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Massachusetts.

engineering

4,270

Jobs (MA)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$254

Licensing fees

schedule

3-4 weeks for application processing (after NREMT certification)

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Massachusetts

To become a certified EMT in Massachusetts, individuals must first complete a Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)-approved EMT training program and obtain National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification. After successfully passing the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams, applicants can then apply for Massachusetts EMT certification through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services. The application process typically takes 3-4 weeks, and a background check is required. Massachusetts offers reciprocity for out-of-state EMTs who are NREMT certified.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,620

25th percentile $39,520

50th (median) $45,970

75th percentile $51,810

90th (experienced) $67,180

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

checklist Massachusetts requirements

Licensing body	Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services
State license	Required
Education	Successful completion of a Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and current BLS CPR certification.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Application fee	$150
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old. Requires a background check (CORI). Must hold current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification at the level for which you are applying before applying for Massachusetts certification. CPR course must include an in-person, hands-on training component and skills evaluation. Online-only CPR courses are not acceptable.

Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services

workspace_premium Massachusetts license tiers

Massachusetts offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:

Tier	Hours required
EMT-Basic	N/A
Advanced EMT	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_circleMassachusetts 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 Massachusetts? expand_more

In Massachusetts, becoming an emt requires you to complete the required education (Successful completion of a Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and current BLS CPR certification.), pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams, and submit your application ($150 fee).

Does Massachusetts require emt licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as an emt in Massachusetts without a state license from Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services. The required exam is the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

What is the average emt salary in Massachusetts? expand_more

The median emt salary in Massachusetts is $45,970 per year. That's 11% above the national median of $41,340. New emts start around $38,620; seasoned professionals can reach $67,180.

How expensive is emt licensing in Massachusetts? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($104) and application fee ($150) plus your education and training.

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

In Massachusetts, becoming an emt generally takes 3-4 weeks for application processing (after NREMT certification), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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

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