EMT in District of Columbia

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

Median annual salary

$45,920

trending_up +11.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, District of Columbia.

engineering

410

Jobs (DC)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$169

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in District of Columbia

To become a certified EMT in the District of Columbia, individuals must complete a DC-approved EMT training program, possess a high school diploma or GED, and hold a healthcare provider-level CPR certification. Candidates must pass both the cognitive and psychomotor National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exams. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, undergo a criminal background check, and secure affiliation with a DC-approved EMS agency, with authorization to practice granted by a medical director. The District of Columbia is a Non-Compact State, meaning reciprocity is handled on an individual basis.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,900

25th percentile $38,740

50th (median) $45,920

75th percentile $58,250

90th (experienced) $71,520

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

checklist District of Columbia requirements

Licensing body	District of Columbia Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services Division
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a DC-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and CPR certification at the healthcare provider level.
Exam	National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive and psychomotor exams ($104)
Application fee	$65
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old. Requires a criminal background check. Applicants must have a sponsoring organization and affiliation with a DC-approved EMS agency. A medical director must also grant authorization to practice within their agency.

Source: District of Columbia Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services Division

workspace_premium District of Columbia license tiers

District of Columbia 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_circleDistrict of Columbia 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming an emt in District of Columbia? expand_more

To become an emt in District of Columbia, you need to complete the required education (Completion of a DC-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and CPR certification at the healthcare provider level.), pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive and psychomotor exams, and submit your application ($65 fee).

Do I need a license to work as an emt in District of Columbia? expand_more

District of Columbia mandates state licensure for emts. District of Columbia Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services Division oversees the process, which includes passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive and psychomotor exams.

What is the average emt salary in District of Columbia? expand_more

District of Columbia emts bring home a median salary of $45,920. This exceeds the $41,340 national median by 11%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $37,900, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $71,520.

How expensive is emt licensing in District of Columbia? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($104) and application fee ($65). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How long does it take to become an emt in District of Columbia? expand_more

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

What are the continuing education requirements for emts in District of Columbia? expand_more

Yes — emts in District of Columbia must complete 40.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.