EMT in Pennsylvania
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for PA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Pennsylvania.
Jobs (PA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become an emt in Pennsylvania
To become a certified EMT in Pennsylvania, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and be at least 16 years old. They must then pass both the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams. A criminal background check, including an FBI fingerprint-based check and a PA Child Abuse History Clearance, is required for certification. Pennsylvania offers reciprocity for EMTs certified in other states or through the NREMT, requiring an application, current CPR, relevant certifications, an EMS affiliation form, and background checks.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Pennsylvania. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Pennsylvania requirements
| Licensing body | Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services |
| State license | Required |
| Education | State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED. |
| Exam | NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104) |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Must be at least 16 years old to enroll and certify. Requires a criminal background check, including an FBI fingerprint-based check (effective January 1, 2026), and a PA Child Abuse History Clearance. Must also have current CPR certification. |
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
workspace_premium Pennsylvania license tiers
Pennsylvania 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
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circlePennsylvania license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)