EMT in Texas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TX. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Texas.
Jobs (TX)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become an emt in Texas
To become a certified EMT in Texas, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program, possess a high school diploma or GED, and hold a Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification. Applicants must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive and psychomotor exams, and then submit an application and fee to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), EMS & Trauma Systems. A fingerprint-based background check is also required, and certification must be renewed every two years.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Texas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Texas requirements
| Licensing body | Texas Department of State Health Services, EMS & Trauma Systems |
| State license | Required |
| Education | State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification. |
| Exam | NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104) |
| Application fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Texas offers reciprocity for NREMT or state certification; state-only applicants require a Texas Assessment and Jurisprudence exam.Reciprocal states: Texas offers reciprocity for EMTs with a current out-of-state or National Registry certification. An online reciprocity application and fee are required. If only state-certified, a Texas Assessment Exam through the National Registry and a State of Texas Jurisprudence CE course with exam are also necessary. Military members, veterans, and military spouses with military training and current NREMT certification must also use the reciprocity process. |
| Notes | Must be at least 18 years old. Requires a fingerprint-based background check. A Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from the American Heart Association or Red Cross is also required. |
Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, EMS & Trauma Systems
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Texas? See whether Texas recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our EMT license reciprocity guide.
workspace_premium Texas license tiers
Texas offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| EMR | N/A |
| EMT-B | N/A |
| AEMT | N/A |
| Paramedic | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleTexas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)
Compare EMT head-to-head
See all comparisons →Considering an EMT vs another career? Side-by-side breakdowns of pay, training time, and licensing.