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
Reciprocity	Missouri only accepts current NREMT certification for initial licensure; other state licenses are not transferable.Reciprocal states: Missouri only accepts current NREMT certification for initial licensure for those licensed in other states. EMS licenses from other states cannot be directly transferred.
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

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Missouri? See whether Missouri recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our EMT license reciprocity guide.

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.