Paramedic in Ohio

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

Median annual salary

$38,140

trending_down -7.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Ohio.

engineering

5,190

Jobs (OH)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$185

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years (program length varies, typically 1100.5 hours over 14-20 months)

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in Ohio

To become a certified Paramedic in Ohio, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic program accredited by CoAEMSP and be at least 18 years old. Key steps include passing the NREMT Paramedic cognitive and psychomotor exams, completing specific FEMA training courses, and undergoing a background check. Ohio offers reciprocity for paramedics licensed in other states or with military EMS training, provided their education and certification standards are substantially similar to Ohio's, and they hold current NREMT certification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $31,230

25th percentile $35,220

50th (median) $38,140

75th percentile $44,990

90th (experienced) $48,650

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

checklist Ohio requirements

Licensing body	Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of EMS
State license	Required
Education	State-approved Paramedic program accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP); must be a certified Ohio EMT prior to enrollment.
Exam	NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($110)
Application fee	$75
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	75.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires a background check and successful completion of FEMA training courses (National Incident Management System course IS-700 and Incident Command System course IS-100 or online equivalent). Also requires a Healthcare Provider level BLS/CPR certification with a practical skills component.

Source: Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division 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_circleOhio license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a paramedic in Ohio? expand_more

Ohio requires paramedics to complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP); must be a certified Ohio EMT prior to enrollment.), pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor), and submit your application ($75 fee).

Does Ohio require paramedic licensure? expand_more

A state license is required in Ohio. Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of EMS handles paramedic licensing — the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) is part of the process.

How much do paramedics make in Ohio? expand_more

paramedics in Ohio earn a median of $38,140 annually. This trails the $41,340 national median by 8%. The range spans from $31,230 at the entry level to $48,650 for top earners.

How much does it cost to become a paramedic in Ohio? expand_more

Between exam fee ($110) and application fee ($75), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

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

Most candidates in Ohio complete the process in 1-2 years (program length varies, typically 1100.5 hours over 14-20 months), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Does Ohio require continuing education for paramedics? expand_more

Ohio requires 75.0 hours of continuing education every 3.0 years to maintain your paramedic license.