Paramedic in Iowa

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

Median annual salary

$39,260

trending_down -5.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Iowa.

engineering

1,210

Jobs (IA)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$205

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in Iowa

To become a Paramedic in Iowa, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic education program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic exam. Licensure is granted by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma, and pass a state and FBI background check. Reciprocity is available for NREMT-certified individuals from other states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,620

25th percentile $37,030

50th (median) $39,260

75th percentile $47,760

90th (experienced) $60,410

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

checklist Iowa requirements

Licensing body	Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services
State license	Required
Education	State-approved Paramedic program
Exam	NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($175)
Application fee	$30
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 17 to enroll in an EMS program, 18 to be licensed. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, English proficiency, and current CPR certification at the healthcare provider level. A state and FBI background check is required prior to certification. EMT or AEMT certification is a prerequisite for paramedic training. The NREMT Paramedic exam no longer includes a psychomotor component as of July 1, 2024.

Source: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services

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_circleIowa 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a paramedic in Iowa? expand_more

The path to paramedic licensure in Iowa: complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor), and submit your application ($30 fee).

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

Yes, Iowa requires a state license to practice as a paramedic. The licensing body is Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services. You must pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor).

What is the average paramedic salary in Iowa? expand_more

The median paramedic salary in Iowa is $39,260 per year. This trails the $41,340 national median by 5%. Wages range from $34,620 (10th percentile) up to $60,410 (90th percentile).

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

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($175) and application fee ($30) and required training.

How quickly can I become a paramedic in Iowa? expand_more

Expect to spend 1-2 years from start to finish in Iowa — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

Does Iowa require continuing education for paramedics? expand_more

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