EMT in Wisconsin

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

Median annual salary

$43,340

trending_up +4.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Wisconsin.

engineering

4,000

Jobs (WI)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$154

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Wisconsin

To become a certified EMT in Wisconsin, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program, which typically involves around 180 hours of instruction, and hold a high school diploma or GED. They must also possess a current Healthcare Provider BLS/CPR certification with in-person skills verification. After completing the training, applicants need to pass the NREMT cognitive exam and a state-administered practical exam, then apply for licensure through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, EMS Section. While individuals can take the exams at 17, licensure requires them to be at least 18 years old and pass a background check. Wisconsin offers reciprocity for out-of-state EMTs who hold current National Registry certification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,610

25th percentile $36,810

50th (median) $43,340

75th percentile $48,810

90th (experienced) $61,770

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

checklist Wisconsin requirements

Licensing body	Wisconsin Department of Health Services, EMS Section
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program (approximately 180 hours) and High School Diploma/GED. Must also hold a valid Healthcare Provider BLS/CPR certification with in-person skills verification.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old for licensure (can be 17 to take exams). Requires a background check. Initial certification or licensure must be obtained within 24 months of successfully completing the course. Wisconsin uses its own practical exam process; the NREMT psychomotor exam is not administered by the National Registry for EMTs.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, EMS Section

workspace_premium Wisconsin license tiers

Wisconsin 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_circleWisconsin license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as an emt in Wisconsin? expand_more

Wisconsin requires emts to complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program (approximately 180 hours) and High School Diploma/GED. Must also hold a valid Healthcare Provider BLS/CPR certification with in-person skills verification.), pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams, and submit your application ($50 fee).

Is an emt license required in Wisconsin? expand_more

Wisconsin mandates state licensure for emts. Wisconsin Department of Health Services, EMS Section oversees the process, which includes passing the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

How much do emts make in Wisconsin? expand_more

The median emt salary in Wisconsin is $43,340 per year. That's roughly in line with the $41,340 national median. Wages range from $30,610 (10th percentile) up to $61,770 (90th percentile).

How expensive is emt licensing in Wisconsin? expand_more

Between exam fee ($104) and application fee ($50), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How many months or years does emt certification take in Wisconsin? expand_more

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

Does Wisconsin require continuing education for emts? expand_more

To keep your license active, Wisconsin mandates 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.