EMT in Oregon

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

Median annual salary
$48,070
trending_up +16.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Oregon.

engineering
1,760

Jobs (OR)

monitoring Strong
+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$214

Licensing fees

schedule
3-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Oregon

To become a certified EMT in Oregon, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and hold a high school diploma or GED. They must also pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams. The licensing body is the Oregon Health Authority, EMS & Trauma Systems. A fingerprint-based background check and current CPR certification are also required. Oregon offers reciprocity for EMTs licensed in other states who hold a current National Registry certification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,020
25th percentile $40,180
50th (median) $48,070
75th percentile $54,550
90th (experienced) $62,150

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

checklist Oregon requirements

Licensing bodyOregon Health Authority, EMS & Trauma Systems
State license Required
EducationState-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.
ExamNREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Application fee$110
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education40.0 hours per cycle
ReciprocityOregon may grant reciprocity for state-licensed, NREMT-certified providers meeting training and good standing requirements.Reciprocal states: Oregon may grant a license to an EMS provider through reciprocity for those currently licensed in another state who also hold a current National Registry certification. Applicants must submit a completed electronic application, applicable nonrefundable fee, documentation of EMS provider training that meets or exceeds Oregon requirements, and consent to a criminal records check. If licensed in another state, the applicant must be in good standing with that state's licensing agency and with the National Registry.
NotesMust be at least 18 years old. Requires a fingerprint-based background check. Also requires current CPR certification at the AHA BLS Provider level (or equivalent).

Source: Oregon Health Authority, EMS & Trauma Systems

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

workspace_premium Oregon license tiers

Oregon 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_circleOregon 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.
arrow_forward

Compare EMT head-to-head

See all comparisons →

Considering an EMT vs another career? Side-by-side breakdowns of pay, training time, and licensing.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as an emt in Oregon? expand_more
To become an emt in Oregon, you need to complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.), pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams, and submit your application ($110 fee).
Does Oregon require emt licensure? expand_more
Oregon mandates state licensure for emts. Oregon Health Authority, EMS & Trauma Systems oversees the process, which includes passing the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.
How much does an emt make in Oregon? expand_more
Oregon emts bring home a median salary of $48,070. That's 16% above the national median of $41,340. The range spans from $37,020 at the entry level to $62,150 for top earners.
How expensive is emt licensing in Oregon? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($104) and application fee ($110) and required training.
How many months or years does emt certification take in Oregon? expand_more
Most candidates in Oregon complete the process in 3-6 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
How many CE hours do emts need in Oregon? expand_more
Oregon requires 40.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your emt license.

Explore more