EMT in South Carolina

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

Median annual salary

$38,670

trending_down -6.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Carolina.

engineering

4,270

Jobs (SC)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$104

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in South Carolina

To become a certified EMT in South Carolina, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and hold a high school diploma or GED. They must successfully pass both the NREMT cognitive and DPH-approved psychomotor exams, and undergo a state and national criminal background check. Certification is valid for two years, and reciprocity is available for those certified in other states or through the National Registry, with a provisional certification option for those not nationally registered.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $29,860

25th percentile $36,250

50th (median) $38,670

75th percentile $43,760

90th (experienced) $48,470

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

checklist South Carolina requirements

Licensing body	South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Bureau of EMS
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Requires a state and national criminal background check, supported by fingerprints. Must also hold a current CPR certification (Healthcare Provider). Some programs may have additional pre-screening requirements in reading comprehension and math.

Source: South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Bureau of EMS

workspace_premium South Carolina license tiers

South 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_circleSouth Carolina 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

Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming an emt in South Carolina? expand_more

In South Carolina, becoming an emt requires you to complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.), and pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

Does South Carolina require emt licensure? expand_more

A state license is required in South Carolina. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Bureau of EMS handles emt licensing — the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams is part of the process.

What is the average emt salary in South Carolina? expand_more

emts in South Carolina earn a median of $38,670 annually. That's 6% below the national median of $41,340. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $29,860, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $48,470.

How expensive is emt licensing in South Carolina? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($104) plus your education and training.

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

The typical timeline in South Carolina is 3-6 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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

License renewal in South Carolina requires completing 40.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.