EMT in New York

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

Median annual salary

$46,000

trending_up +11.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New York.

engineering

14,350

Jobs (NY)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

schedule

4-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in New York

To become a certified EMT in New York, individuals must successfully complete a New York State approved EMS training course and possess a high school diploma or GED. They must also pass the New York State practical skills and written certification examinations. The New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems is the licensing body, and reciprocity is available for those certified in other states, the District of Columbia, the military, or through the NREMT, provided they meet specific criteria and demonstrate a need for certification in New York.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,790

25th percentile $40,180

50th (median) $46,000

75th percentile $56,510

90th (experienced) $62,600

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

checklist New York requirements

Licensing body	New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
State license	Required
Education	Successfully complete a New York State approved EMS training course and have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Exam	New York State Written and Practical Certification Examinations
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Notes	Must be at least 17 years old to take the exam. Reciprocity is available for individuals holding current certification from other states, the District of Columbia, the military, and/or the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT). Applicants for reciprocity must demonstrate a need for certification (e.g., proof of education, employment, or other acceptable need) and have completed a course meeting or exceeding current National EMS Educational standards. Reciprocity is not granted for certifications obtained by reciprocity in another state. A government-issued photo ID is required for reciprocity applications. All applicants must affirm regarding criminal convictions.

Source: New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services

workspace_premium New York license tiers

New York offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:

Tier	Hours required
CFR	N/A
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_circleNew York 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?

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Frequently asked questions

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

In New York, becoming an emt requires you to complete the required education (Successfully complete a New York State approved EMS training course and have a high school diploma or GED certificate.), and pass the New York State Written and Practical Certification Examinations.

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

You cannot practice as an emt in New York without a state license from New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. The required exam is the New York State Written and Practical Certification Examinations.

How much does an emt make in New York? expand_more

The median emt salary in New York is $46,000 per year. That's 11% above the national median of $41,340. The range spans from $37,790 at the entry level to $62,600 for top earners.

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

Expect to spend 4-6 months from start to finish in New York — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.