EMT in Washington

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

Median annual salary

$48,850

trending_up +18.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Washington.

engineering

3,280

Jobs (WA)

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 Washington

To become a certified EMT in Washington, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams. The licensing body is the Washington State Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and be affiliated with a licensed EMS agency. Washington offers reciprocity for out-of-state EMTs who meet their requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,560

25th percentile $39,810

50th (median) $48,850

75th percentile $54,060

90th (experienced) $62,270

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

checklist Washington requirements

Licensing body	Washington State Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System
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	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. Requires a background check. Must be affiliated with a licensed EMS agency or EMS service supervisory organization.

Source: Washington State Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System

workspace_premium Washington license tiers

Washington 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_circleWashington 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's required to work as an emt in Washington? expand_more

The path to emt licensure in Washington: complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.), and pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

Does Washington require emt licensure? expand_more

Washington mandates state licensure for emts. Washington State Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System oversees the process, which includes passing the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

What do emts earn in Washington? expand_more

In Washington, the median pay for emts comes to $48,850/year. This exceeds the $41,340 national median by 18%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $37,560, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $62,270.

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

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

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

Expect to spend 3-6 months from start to finish in Washington — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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

To keep your license active, Washington mandates 30.0 CE hours every 3.0 years.