Paramedic in Texas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TX. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Texas.
Jobs (TX)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a paramedic in Texas
To become a licensed Paramedic in Texas, individuals must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and successfully complete a DSHS-approved Paramedic program. Additionally, applicants for licensure must hold an associate degree in emergency medical services or a baccalaureate degree in any field. After completing the educational requirements, candidates must pass the National Registry Paramedic cognitive and psychomotor exams, undergo a Texas/FBI criminal history check, and submit an application with a $120 fee to the Texas Department of State Health Services, EMS & Trauma Systems. Texas offers reciprocity for out-of-state paramedics who meet specific criteria, including educational and examination requirements, and completion of a Texas jurisprudence exam.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Texas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Texas requirements
| Licensing body | Texas Department of State Health Services, EMS & Trauma Systems |
| State license | Required |
| Education | State-approved Paramedic program AND an associate degree in EMS or a baccalaureate degree in any field. |
| Exam | NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($175) |
| Application fee | $120 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Continuing education | 144.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Texas offers reciprocity but requires meeting state requirements, including a Texas Assessment Exam or Jurisprudence course.Reciprocal states: Texas offers reciprocity for paramedics licensed in other states or with current National Registry certification, provided they meet Texas's age, education (degree for licensure), and background check requirements, and pass the Texas Assessment Exam (if state-certified only) and the Texas Jurisprudence CE course. |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires a high school diploma or GED. Must pass a Texas/FBI criminal history check (fingerprinting required). The NREMT cognitive exam fee is $175.00. Psychomotor exam fees vary by location, with some sites charging around $250-$350. There are two levels for Paramedics in Texas: EMT-Paramedic certification (no degree required) and Paramedic Licensure (requires an associate degree in EMS or a four-year degree in any field). All renewal applicants must complete a Texas EMS jurisprudence examination. |
Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, EMS & Trauma Systems
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Texas? See whether Texas recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Paramedic license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleTexas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)
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