Paramedic in Arizona

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

Median annual salary

$38,110

trending_down -7.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arizona.

engineering

3,660

Jobs (AZ)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$175

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in Arizona

To become a certified Paramedic in Arizona, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. As of July 1, 2024, the NREMT Paramedic certification exam no longer includes a psychomotor component. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card. Arizona does not offer reciprocity with other states; therefore, applicants must hold a current NREMT certification and have an Arizona address to be eligible for state certification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $31,990

25th percentile $33,520

50th (median) $38,110

75th percentile $46,610

90th (experienced) $47,910

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

checklist Arizona requirements

Licensing body	Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of EMS & Trauma System
State license	Required
Education	State-approved Paramedic program
Exam	NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive) ($175)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	48.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires a Fingerprint Clearance Card. As of July 1, 2024, the NREMT Paramedic certification exam no longer includes a psychomotor exam component. Some paramedic programs may require one year of pre-hospital or patient care documented experience for admission.

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of EMS & Trauma System

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

psychology

Wondering if a paramedic 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.

arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a paramedic in Arizona? expand_more

Arizona requires paramedics to complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), and pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive).

Do I need a license to work as a paramedic in Arizona? expand_more

Yes, Arizona requires a state license to practice as a paramedic. The licensing body is Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of EMS & Trauma System. You must pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive).

What do paramedics earn in Arizona? expand_more

The median paramedic salary in Arizona is $38,110 per year. — 8% under the $41,340 national average. Wages range from $31,990 (10th percentile) up to $47,910 (90th percentile).

What are the fees to become a paramedic in Arizona? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($175) plus your education and training.

What's the timeline to become a paramedic in Arizona? expand_more

Most candidates in Arizona complete the process in 1-2 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

What's required to renew a paramedic license in Arizona? expand_more

Arizona requires 48.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your paramedic license.