EMT in Ohio

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

Median annual salary

$38,140

trending_down -7.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Ohio.

engineering

5,190

Jobs (OH)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$104

Licensing fees

schedule

4-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Ohio

To become a certified EMT in Ohio, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program, hold a high school diploma or GED, and successfully complete specific FEMA training courses (IS-100 and IS-700). They must pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams. Certification is issued by the State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services through the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services, and is valid for three years, requiring 40 hours of continuing education for renewal. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of state certification and pass a background check.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $31,230

25th percentile $35,220

50th (median) $38,140

75th percentile $44,990

90th (experienced) $48,650

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

checklist Ohio requirements

Licensing body	State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services through the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and successful completion of FEMA training courses (National Incident Management System course IS-700 and Incident Command System course IS-100 or online equivalent).
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old at the time of state certification. A background check is required. Must not have been convicted of, pled guilty to, or had a judicial finding of guilt for certain felonies or misdemeanors. Must also complete Rescue Task Force Awareness Training if not included in initial training.

Source: State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services through the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services

workspace_premium Ohio license tiers

Ohio 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_circleOhio 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 Ohio? expand_more

Ohio requires emts to complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and successful completion of FEMA training courses (National Incident Management System course IS-700 and Incident Command System course IS-100 or online equivalent).), and pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

Does Ohio require emt licensure? expand_more

Yes, Ohio requires a state license to practice as an emt. The licensing body is State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services through the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services. You must pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

How much do emts make in Ohio? expand_more

In Ohio, the median pay for emts comes to $38,140/year. That's 8% below the national median of $41,340. New emts start around $31,230; seasoned professionals can reach $48,650.

How much does it cost to become an emt in Ohio? expand_more

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

What's the timeline to become an emt in Ohio? expand_more

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

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

Yes — emts in Ohio must complete 40.0 CE hours every 3.0 years to stay licensed.