Paramedic in Massachusetts

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

Median annual salary

$45,970

trending_up +11.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Massachusetts.

engineering

4,270

Jobs (MA)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$325

Licensing fees

schedule

3-4 weeks (online application processing)

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in Massachusetts

To become a certified Paramedic in Massachusetts, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic program and obtain National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification. This involves passing the NREMT Paramedic cognitive exam, which costs $175. After successful completion of the NREMT exam, applicants can apply for Massachusetts certification through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of EMS, with an application fee of $150. The online application processing typically takes 3-4 weeks. Massachusetts offers reciprocity for paramedics with current NREMT certification and a valid out-of-state EMT certification. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have an active EMT-Basic certification prior to enrolling in a paramedic program. A background check is also required.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,620

25th percentile $39,520

50th (median) $45,970

75th percentile $51,810

90th (experienced) $67,180

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

checklist Massachusetts requirements

Licensing body	Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of EMS
State license	Required
Education	State-approved Paramedic program
Exam	NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($175)
Application fee	$150
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	60.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 18 years old. Requires a high school diploma or GED, and active EMT-Basic certification prior to enrolling in a paramedic program. A background check (CORI and SORI) is required. Renewal requires completion of the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) requirements.

Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office 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_circleMassachusetts 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

What are the steps to becoming a paramedic in Massachusetts? expand_more

Massachusetts requires paramedics to complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor), and submit your application ($150 fee).

Does Massachusetts require paramedic licensure? expand_more

Yes, Massachusetts requires a state license to practice as a paramedic. The licensing body is Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of EMS. You must pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor).

What do paramedics earn in Massachusetts? expand_more

Massachusetts paramedics bring home a median salary of $45,970. This exceeds the $41,340 national median by 11%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $38,620, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $67,180.

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

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($175) and application fee ($150) and required training.

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

The typical timeline in Massachusetts is 3-4 weeks (online application processing). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

What are the continuing education requirements for paramedics in Massachusetts? expand_more

Yes — paramedics in Massachusetts must complete 60.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.