EMT in New Jersey

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

Median annual salary

$49,500

trending_up +19.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Jersey.

engineering

5,630

Jobs (NJ)

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 New Jersey

To become a certified EMT in New Jersey, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program, possess a high school diploma or GED, and hold a current CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider or Professional Rescuer level. Candidates must then pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams. The licensing body is the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services. Applicants must be at least 16 years old to begin training, and a criminal background check is required. New Jersey offers reciprocity for EMTs from other states, with specific requirements depending on the applicant's prior certification standards.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $40,310

25th percentile $45,900

50th (median) $49,500

75th percentile $56,760

90th (experienced) $61,590

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

checklist New Jersey requirements

Licensing body	New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and current CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider or Professional Rescuer level.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	48.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 16 years old to begin training, but specific regulations apply for minors under 18. Requires a criminal background check. Must be physically capable of performing all required EMT skills and tasks. CPR certification must be maintained throughout the training program and until certified. Online CPR courses are not accepted for initial certification or reciprocity. Some training programs may have additional costs for textbooks, online access, and supplies.

Source: New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services

workspace_premium New Jersey license tiers

New Jersey offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:

Tier	Hours required
EMR	N/A
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_circleNew Jersey 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 New Jersey? expand_more

The path to emt licensure in New Jersey: complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and current CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider or Professional Rescuer level.), and pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

Do I need a license to work as an emt in New Jersey? expand_more

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

What do emts earn in New Jersey? expand_more

emts in New Jersey earn a median of $49,500 annually. This exceeds the $41,340 national median by 20%. New emts start around $40,310; seasoned professionals can reach $61,590.

What's the total cost to get emt certified in New Jersey? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($104). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

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

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

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

To keep your license active, New Jersey mandates 48.0 CE hours every 3.0 years.