EMT in Minnesota

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

Median annual salary

$45,690

trending_up +10.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Minnesota.

engineering

2,840

Jobs (MN)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$104

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Minnesota

To become a certified EMT in Minnesota, applicants must complete a state-approved EMT training program, possess a high school diploma or GED, and hold a current CPR Health Care Provider certification. They must then pass both the cognitive and psychomotor National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exams. Certification is handled by the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) and must be renewed every two years, requiring 40 hours of continuing education. Minnesota offers reciprocity for individuals with a current NREMT certification from another state.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,620

25th percentile $40,560

50th (median) $45,690

75th percentile $49,160

90th (experienced) $60,230

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

checklist Minnesota requirements

Licensing body	Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS)
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and current CPR Health Care Provider certification.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old. Requires a criminal background check. As of January 1, 2025, the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) replaces the EMSRB.

Source: Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS)

workspace_premium Minnesota license tiers

Minnesota 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_circleMinnesota 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

How do I become an emt in Minnesota? expand_more

Minnesota requires emts to complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and current CPR Health Care Provider certification.), and pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

Does Minnesota require emt licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as an emt in Minnesota without a state license from Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS). The required exam is the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

How much does an emt make in Minnesota? expand_more

Minnesota emts bring home a median salary of $45,690. That's 11% above the national median of $41,340. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $34,620, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $60,230.

How expensive is emt licensing in Minnesota? expand_more

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

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

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

Does Minnesota require continuing education for emts? expand_more

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