Paramedic in New York

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

Median annual salary

$46,000

trending_up +11.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New York.

engineering

14,350

Jobs (NY)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$325

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in New York

To become a certified Paramedic in New York, individuals must complete a New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) approved Paramedic training program and pass the New York State Paramedic Written Certification Exam and a psychomotor exam. The minimum age requirement is 17 years old by the last day of the month the course concludes. New York offers reciprocity for paramedics certified in other U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the military, or through the NREMT, provided they meet specific criteria including recent practical skills verification and written examination.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,790

25th percentile $40,180

50th (median) $46,000

75th percentile $56,510

90th (experienced) $62,600

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

checklist New York requirements

Licensing body	New York State Department of Health, Bureau of EMS
State license	Required
Education	State-approved Paramedic program
Exam	New York State Paramedic Written Certification Exam (and Psychomotor Exam) ($175)
Application fee	$150
Renewal	Every 4.0 years
Continuing education	60.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 17 by the last day of the month in which the course ends. A background check is mandatory, and a fingerprinting fee of $102.50 may apply. New York uses its own state exam for initial certification, but the NREMT exam is also recognized for reciprocity. There is no fee for the initial state exam if affiliated with a NYS EMS agency. Some paramedic programs may require one year of full-time EMT experience as a prerequisite.

Source: New York State 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_circleNew York 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 New York? expand_more

New York requires paramedics to complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), pass the New York State Paramedic Written Certification Exam (and Psychomotor Exam), and submit your application ($150 fee).

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

You cannot practice as a paramedic in New York without a state license from New York State Department of Health, Bureau of EMS. The required exam is the New York State Paramedic Written Certification Exam (and Psychomotor Exam).

How much do paramedics make in New York? expand_more

paramedics in New York earn a median of $46,000 annually. — 11% higher than the $41,340 national figure. Wages range from $37,790 (10th percentile) up to $62,600 (90th percentile).

How expensive is paramedic licensing in New York? expand_more

Between exam fee ($175) and application fee ($150), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How quickly can I become a paramedic in New York? expand_more

Most candidates in New York complete the process in 1-2 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Does New York require continuing education for paramedics? expand_more

To keep your license active, New York mandates 60.0 CE hours every 4.0 years.