EMT in Michigan

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

Median annual salary

$38,890

trending_down -5.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Michigan.

engineering

4,160

Jobs (MI)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$144

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Michigan

To become a certified EMT in Michigan, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and be at least 18 years old. Applicants must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive and psychomotor exams. Licensure is handled by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, EMS Section, and requires an online application. Michigan offers reciprocity for EMTs who are nationally registered and have met specific state requirements, including an out-of-state verification form and a reciprocity fee.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,300

25th percentile $37,030

50th (median) $38,890

75th percentile $44,830

90th (experienced) $50,950

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

checklist Michigan requirements

Licensing body	Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, EMS Section
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Application fee	$40
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old to apply. Requires a criminal background check. A bill introduced in November 2023 proposes lowering the minimum age to 17 for EMT and Medical First Responder licenses, but this is not yet law. Michigan does not require you to maintain NREMT certification for license renewal, only for initial licensure.

Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, EMS Section

workspace_premium Michigan license tiers

Michigan offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:

Tier	Hours required
MFR	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_circleMichigan 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.

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Frequently asked questions

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

The path to emt licensure in Michigan: 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 ($40 fee).

Is an emt license required in Michigan? expand_more

A state license is required in Michigan. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, EMS Section handles emt licensing — the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams is part of the process.

What is the average emt salary in Michigan? expand_more

The median emt salary in Michigan is $38,890 per year. That's 6% below the national median of $41,340. New emts start around $35,300; seasoned professionals can reach $50,950.

What are the fees to become an emt in Michigan? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($104) and application fee ($40) plus your education and training.

How quickly can I become an emt in Michigan? expand_more

In Michigan, becoming an emt generally takes 3-6 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

How many CE hours do emts need in Michigan? expand_more

Michigan requires 30.0 hours of continuing education every 3.0 years to maintain your emt license.