Paramedic in Rhode Island

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

Median annual salary

$49,500

trending_up +19.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.

engineering

520

Jobs (RI)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$240

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in Rhode Island

To become a licensed Paramedic in Rhode Island, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic program and obtain national certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) by passing both cognitive and psychomotor exams. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and hold current EMT or AEMT licensure. The application fee is $80, and a background check is required. Rhode Island offers reciprocity for out-of-state paramedics who meet comparable standards and hold NREMT certification, though additional minor requirements may apply. Licenses are renewed every two years, requiring maintenance of NREMT certification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,550

25th percentile $42,890

50th (median) $49,500

75th percentile $52,650

90th (experienced) $58,620

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

checklist Rhode Island requirements

Licensing body	Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for EMS
State license	Required
Education	State-approved Paramedic program
Exam	NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($160)
Application fee	$80
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age of 18. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, current EMT or AEMT licensure, and a background check. Renewal requires maintaining NREMT certification, which has its own CE requirements. Lapsed licenses (less than 1 year) can be renewed by submitting an application and documentation of renewal requirements. Lapsed licenses (greater than 2 years) require meeting initial licensure requirements.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for 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_circleRhode Island 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 Rhode Island? expand_more

The path to paramedic licensure in Rhode Island: complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor), and submit your application ($80 fee).

Is a paramedic license required in Rhode Island? expand_more

You cannot practice as a paramedic in Rhode Island without a state license from Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for EMS. The required exam is the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor).

What do paramedics earn in Rhode Island? expand_more

paramedics in Rhode Island earn a median of $49,500 annually. This exceeds the $41,340 national median by 20%. New paramedics start around $38,550; seasoned professionals can reach $58,620.

What are the fees to become a paramedic in Rhode Island? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($160) and application fee ($80) plus your education and training.

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

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