Paramedic in South Carolina

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

Median annual salary
$38,670
trending_down -6.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Carolina.

engineering
4,270

Jobs (SC)

monitoring Strong
+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$160

Licensing fees

schedule
1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in South Carolina

To become a certified Paramedic in South Carolina, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic program and pass the NREMT Paramedic cognitive and psychomotor exams. Certification is issued by the South Carolina Department of Public Health, EMS and Trauma Section. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and pass state and federal criminal background checks. South Carolina offers reciprocity for paramedics certified in other states or through the National Registry, though those without NREMT certification may initially receive a provisional certification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $29,860
25th percentile $36,250
50th (median) $38,670
75th percentile $43,760
90th (experienced) $48,470

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

checklist South Carolina requirements

Licensing bodySouth Carolina Department of Public Health, EMS and Trauma Section
State license Required
EducationState-approved Paramedic program
ExamNREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($160)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education60.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age of 18. Requires state and federal criminal background checks and a current CPR (BLS) and ACLS card. Renewal requires maintaining NREMT certification, which has its own CE requirements. Provisional certification may be issued for one year to those not NREMT certified via reciprocity, during which NREMT certification must be obtained.

Source: South Carolina Department of Public Health, EMS and Trauma Section

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_circleSouth Carolina license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a paramedic in South Carolina? expand_more
To become a paramedic in South Carolina, you need to complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), and pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor).
Is a paramedic license required in South Carolina? expand_more
A state license is required in South Carolina. South Carolina Department of Public Health, EMS and Trauma Section handles paramedic licensing — the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) is part of the process.
What do paramedics earn in South Carolina? expand_more
In South Carolina, the median pay for paramedics comes to $38,670/year. This trails the $41,340 national median by 6%. Wages range from $29,860 (10th percentile) up to $48,470 (90th percentile).
What's the total cost to get paramedic certified in South Carolina? expand_more
Between exam fee ($160), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How many months or years does paramedic certification take in South Carolina? expand_more
Most candidates in South Carolina complete the process in 1-2 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
How many CE hours do paramedics need in South Carolina? expand_more
License renewal in South Carolina requires completing 60.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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