EMT in Missouri

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

Median annual salary

$38,580

trending_down -6.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.

engineering

3,320

Jobs (MO)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$254

Licensing fees

schedule

3-5 weeks (application processing)

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Missouri

To become a certified EMT in Missouri, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive and psychomotor exams. The licensing body is the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Bureau of EMS. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and undergo a criminal background check. Missouri accepts current NREMT certification for initial licensure from out-of-state applicants, but licenses are not directly transferable.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,370

25th percentile $35,070

50th (median) $38,580

75th percentile $46,150

90th (experienced) $49,970

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

checklist Missouri requirements

Licensing body	Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Bureau of EMS
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT-Basic training program and High School Diploma/GED.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Application fee	$150
Renewal	Every 5.0 years
Continuing education	100.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old. Requires a criminal background check and current CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers). Some programs may require a drug screening and immunizations. Physical and mental health capable of meeting the demands of the profession, including lifting and carrying patients, is also required.

Source: Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Bureau of EMS

workspace_premium Missouri license tiers

Missouri offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:

Tier	Hours required
EMT-B	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_circleMissouri 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 Missouri? expand_more

To become an emt in Missouri, you need to complete the required education (State-approved EMT-Basic training program and High School Diploma/GED.), pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams, and submit your application ($150 fee).

Does Missouri require emt licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as an emt in Missouri without a state license from Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Bureau of EMS. The required exam is the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

What do emts earn in Missouri? expand_more

Missouri emts bring home a median salary of $38,580. That's 7% below the national median of $41,340. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $30,370, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $49,970.

How expensive is emt licensing in Missouri? expand_more

Between exam fee ($104) and application fee ($150), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

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

The typical timeline in Missouri is 3-5 weeks (application processing). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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

Yes — emts in Missouri must complete 100.0 CE hours every 5.0 years to stay licensed.