EMT in North Carolina

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

Median annual salary

$40,530

trending_down -2.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Carolina.

engineering

7,540

Jobs (NC)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$68

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (EMT programs can be completed in a semester or as quickly as a few weeks for intensive courses; state exam must be taken within one year of course completion, NREMT within two years).

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in North Carolina

To become a certified EMT in North Carolina, individuals must successfully complete a North Carolina-approved EMT training program and pass either the North Carolina State Credentialing Exam or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. The licensing body is the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services (NCOEMS). Applicants must be at least 18 years old to be credentialed, though 17-year-olds can take the state exams with the credential being held until their 18th birthday. A criminal background check is also required, and North Carolina offers reciprocity for active and valid out-of-state or NREMT certifications for residents or those affiliated with an NC EMS agency.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $31,000

25th percentile $35,650

50th (median) $40,530

75th percentile $48,180

90th (experienced) $57,470

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

checklist North Carolina requirements

Licensing body	North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED or successful completion of an exam assessing basic reading comprehension skills at a minimum of the eleventh-grade level, and current CPR certification for healthcare providers.
Exam	North Carolina State Credentialing Exam (NCOEMS exam) or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. ($68)
Renewal	Every 4.0 years
Continuing education	80.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old to be credentialed (can take state exams at 17, but credential will be held until 18). Requires a criminal background check. Some programs may also require immunizations and physical/mental fitness for EMS work. Successful completion of a scope of practice performance evaluation is also required.

Source: North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services

workspace_premium North Carolina license tiers

North Carolina 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_circleNorth Carolina license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as an emt in North Carolina? expand_more

The path to emt licensure in North Carolina: complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED or successful completion of an exam assessing basic reading comprehension skills at a minimum of the eleventh-grade level, and current CPR certification for healthcare providers.), and pass the North Carolina State Credentialing Exam (NCOEMS exam) or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam..

Does North Carolina require emt licensure? expand_more

Yes, North Carolina requires a state license to practice as an emt. The licensing body is North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services. You must pass the North Carolina State Credentialing Exam (NCOEMS exam) or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam..

What do emts earn in North Carolina? expand_more

In North Carolina, the median pay for emts comes to $40,530/year. — within a few percent of the $41,340 national figure. New emts start around $31,000; seasoned professionals can reach $57,470.

What are the fees to become an emt in North Carolina? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($68) plus your education and training.

How quickly can I become an emt in North Carolina? expand_more

Most candidates in North Carolina complete the process in Varies (EMT programs can be completed in a semester or as quickly as a few weeks for intensive courses; state exam must be taken within one year of course completion, NREMT within two years)., from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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

License renewal in North Carolina requires completing 80.0 hours of continuing education on a 4.0-year cycle.