Paramedic in North Carolina

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

Median annual salary

$40,530

trending_down -2.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Carolina.

engineering

7,540

Jobs (NC)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$175

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in North Carolina

To become a certified Paramedic in North Carolina, individuals must successfully complete a North Carolina approved Paramedic educational program and be at least 18 years of age. They must then pass a written examination administered by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services (NCOEMS). A criminal background check is also a mandatory part of the credentialing process. North Carolina offers reciprocity for those holding out-of-state or National Registry certifications, given they meet residency or affiliation requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $31,000

25th percentile $35,650

50th (median) $40,530

75th percentile $48,180

90th (experienced) $57,470

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

checklist North Carolina requirements

Licensing body	North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Office of EMS
State license	Required
Education	State-approved Paramedic program
Exam	NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($175)
Renewal	Every 4.0 years
Continuing education	120.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 18. Students can take the state exam at 17, but the credential will not be issued until age 18. A criminal background check is required.

Source: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 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_circleNorth Carolina 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 North Carolina? expand_more

In North Carolina, becoming a paramedic requires you to complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), and pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor).

Does North Carolina require paramedic licensure? expand_more

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

What do paramedics earn in North Carolina? expand_more

In North Carolina, the median pay for paramedics comes to $40,530/year. — within a few percent of the $41,340 national figure. The range spans from $31,000 at the entry level to $57,470 for top earners.

How expensive is paramedic licensing in North Carolina? expand_more

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

How long does it take to become a paramedic in North Carolina? expand_more

In North Carolina, becoming a paramedic generally takes 1-2 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Does North Carolina require continuing education for paramedics? expand_more

License renewal in North Carolina requires completing 120.0 hours of continuing education on a 4.0-year cycle.