EMT in Texas

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

Median annual salary

$37,000

trending_down -10.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Texas.

engineering

13,550

Jobs (TX)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$164

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 months

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

10th percentile (entry) $29,200

25th percentile $33,070

50th (median) $37,000

75th percentile $44,940

90th (experienced) $52,170

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
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

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

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_circleTexas 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?

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming an emt in Texas? expand_more

Texas requires emts to complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.), pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams, and submit your application ($60 fee).

Does Texas require emt licensure? expand_more

Texas mandates state licensure for emts. Texas Department of State Health Services, EMS & Trauma Systems oversees the process, which includes passing the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

How much do emts make in Texas? expand_more

Texas emts bring home a median salary of $37,000. That's 10% below the national median of $41,340. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $29,200, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $52,170.

What's the total cost to get emt certified in Texas? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($104) and application fee ($60) and required training.

How quickly can I become an emt in Texas? expand_more

In Texas, becoming an emt generally takes 3-6 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.