Paramedic in Oregon

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

Median annual salary
$48,070
trending_up +16.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Oregon.

engineering
1,760

Jobs (OR)

monitoring Strong
+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$465

Licensing fees

schedule
Approximately 1 year for education program; license valid for up to 30 months initially.

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in Oregon

To become a licensed Paramedic in Oregon, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic program and possess an Associate's Degree or higher, or have two out of the past five years of active employment as a paramedic. Applicants must pass the NREMT Paramedic cognitive exam and submit an application with the Oregon Health Authority, EMS & Trauma Systems, which includes a background check. Oregon offers reciprocity for paramedics licensed in other states with NREMT certification, provided they meet Oregon's specific education or experience requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,020
25th percentile $40,180
50th (median) $48,070
75th percentile $54,550
90th (experienced) $62,150

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

checklist Oregon requirements

Licensing bodyOregon Health Authority, EMS & Trauma Systems
State license Required
EducationState-approved Paramedic program and an Associate's Degree or higher, or two out of the past five years of active employment as a paramedic at the National Registry paramedic level. A Transitional Paramedic license is available for those without an Associate's Degree who agree to obtain one within 48 months.
ExamNREMT Paramedic (Cognitive) ($175)
Application fee$290
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMinimum age 18. Requires current CPR certification (AHA Healthcare or BLS Provider equivalent). All initial applicants must submit an FBI fingerprint-based national background check. Renewal requires maintaining NREMT certification, which has its own CE requirements. Paramedics renew every odd year.

Source: Oregon Health Authority, EMS & Trauma Systems

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_circleOregon 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.
arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a paramedic in Oregon? expand_more
Oregon requires paramedics to complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program and an Associate's Degree or higher, or two out of the past five years of active employment as a paramedic at the National Registry paramedic level. A Transitional Paramedic license is available for those without an Associate's Degree who agree to obtain one within 48 months.), pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive), and submit your application ($290 fee).
Does Oregon require paramedic licensure? expand_more
A state license is required in Oregon. Oregon Health Authority, EMS & Trauma Systems handles paramedic licensing — the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive) is part of the process.
What is the average paramedic salary in Oregon? expand_more
The median paramedic salary in Oregon is $48,070 per year. — 16% higher than the $41,340 national figure. New paramedics start around $37,020; seasoned professionals can reach $62,150.
How much does it cost to become a paramedic in Oregon? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($175) and application fee ($290) plus your education and training.
What's the timeline to become a paramedic in Oregon? expand_more
Most candidates in Oregon complete the process in Approximately 1 year for education program; license valid for up to 30 months initially., from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Explore more