Paramedic in Minnesota

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

Median annual salary
$45,690
trending_up +10.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Minnesota.

engineering
2,840

Jobs (MN)

monitoring Strong
+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$307

Licensing fees

schedule
1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in Minnesota

To become a certified Paramedic in Minnesota, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic program and obtain National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification. The NREMT Paramedic exam, as of July 1, 2024, consists only of a cognitive portion and costs $175. Minnesota grants reciprocity to paramedics who hold a current NREMT certification. All EMS personnel in Minnesota will be required to hold NREMT certification by 2036.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,620
25th percentile $40,560
50th (median) $45,690
75th percentile $49,160
90th (experienced) $60,230

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

checklist Minnesota requirements

Licensing bodyMinnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB)
State license Required
EducationState-approved Paramedic program
ExamNREMT Paramedic (Cognitive) ($175)
Application fee$132
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education60.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age not specified, but a background check is required. Renewal requires maintaining NREMT certification, which has its own CE requirements. As of July 1, 2024, the NREMT Paramedic exam no longer includes a psychomotor component. All EMS personnel in Minnesota must obtain and retain NREMT certification by 2036.

Source: Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB)

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_circleMinnesota 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

How do I become a paramedic in Minnesota? expand_more
The path to paramedic licensure in Minnesota: complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive), and submit your application ($132 fee).
Is a paramedic license required in Minnesota? expand_more
Yes, Minnesota requires a state license to practice as a paramedic. The licensing body is Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB). You must pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive).
What do paramedics earn in Minnesota? expand_more
paramedics in Minnesota earn a median of $45,690 annually. This exceeds the $41,340 national median by 11%. New paramedics start around $34,620; seasoned professionals can reach $60,230.
What are the fees to become a paramedic in Minnesota? expand_more
Between exam fee ($175) and application fee ($132), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How quickly can I become a paramedic in Minnesota? expand_more
Expect to spend 1-2 years from start to finish in Minnesota — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
How many CE hours do paramedics need in Minnesota? expand_more
To keep your license active, Minnesota mandates 60.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.

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