Paramedic in Missouri

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

Median annual salary

$38,580

trending_down -6.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.

engineering

3,320

Jobs (MO)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$260

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in Missouri

To become a licensed Paramedic in Missouri, individuals must first be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Missouri EMT license. The process involves completing a state-approved paramedic education program, passing both the cognitive and psychomotor National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic exams, and submitting an application with a background check to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Bureau of EMS. Missouri does not offer direct reciprocity; applicants with out-of-state licenses must achieve NREMT certification and apply for initial licensure in Missouri. Licenses are renewed every two years and require 144 hours of continuing education.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,370

25th percentile $35,070

50th (median) $38,580

75th percentile $46,150

90th (experienced) $49,970

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

checklist Missouri requirements

Licensing body	Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Bureau of EMS
State license	Required
Education	State-approved Paramedic program
Exam	NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($110)
Application fee	$150
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	144.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Must hold a valid Missouri EMT license before enrolling in a paramedic program. Requires a background check and current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Paramedic programs typically take 1 to 2 years to complete, not including the time to become an EMT first. The NREMT cognitive exam fee is $110. Psychomotor exam fees vary by location, with some examples ranging from $250-$350 for a full exam and $65-$100 per retested skill.

Source: Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, 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_circleMissouri 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 you get certified as a paramedic in Missouri? expand_more

The path to paramedic licensure in Missouri: complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor), and submit your application ($150 fee).

Does Missouri require paramedic licensure? expand_more

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

How much does a paramedic make in Missouri? expand_more

In Missouri, the median pay for paramedics comes to $38,580/year. This trails the $41,340 national median by 7%. The range spans from $30,370 at the entry level to $49,970 for top earners.

How expensive is paramedic licensing in Missouri? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($110) and application fee ($150) and required training.

How quickly can I become a paramedic in Missouri? expand_more

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

How many CE hours do paramedics need in Missouri? expand_more

To keep your license active, Missouri mandates 144.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.