Paramedic in Louisiana

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

Median annual salary

$33,990

trending_down -17.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Louisiana.

engineering

2,290

Jobs (LA)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$225

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in Louisiana

To become a licensed Paramedic in Louisiana, individuals must successfully complete a state-approved Paramedic program and obtain a valid, unrestricted NREMT Paramedic certification. The licensing body is the Louisiana Department of Health, Bureau of EMS. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a criminal background check. While Louisiana does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, nationally certified paramedics can apply for licensure by reciprocity.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $24,280

25th percentile $28,690

50th (median) $33,990

75th percentile $36,810

90th (experienced) $46,500

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

checklist Louisiana requirements

Licensing body	Louisiana Department of Health, Bureau of EMS
State license	Required
Education	State-approved Paramedic program
Exam	NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($175)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. A criminal background check is required. Maintaining NREMT certification is mandatory for renewal. A current BLS CPR Provider credential is also required.

Source: Louisiana Department of Health, Bureau of EMS

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_circleLouisiana 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 are the steps to becoming a paramedic in Louisiana? expand_more

Louisiana requires paramedics to complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor), and submit your application ($50 fee).

Does Louisiana require paramedic licensure? expand_more

A state license is required in Louisiana. Louisiana Department of Health, Bureau of EMS handles paramedic licensing — the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) is part of the process.

How much do paramedics make in Louisiana? expand_more

The median paramedic salary in Louisiana is $33,990 per year. — 18% under the $41,340 national average. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $24,280, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $46,500.

How much does it cost to become a paramedic in Louisiana? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($175) and application fee ($50) plus your education and training.

How many months or years does paramedic certification take in Louisiana? expand_more

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