CertOutlook

Paramedic in District of Columbia

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

Median annual salary
$45,920
trending_up +11.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, District of Columbia.

engineering
410

Jobs (DC)

monitoring Strong
+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$365

Licensing fees

schedule
1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in District of Columbia

To become a certified Paramedic in the District of Columbia, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic training program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old, undergo a criminal background check, and secure sponsorship from a DC-approved EMS agency. The District of Columbia offers reciprocity for paramedics certified in other states, provided they hold current NREMT, CPR, and ACLS certifications.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,900
25th percentile $38,740
50th (median) $45,920
75th percentile $58,250
90th (experienced) $71,520

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

checklist District of Columbia requirements

Licensing bodyDistrict of Columbia Department of Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration
State license Required
EducationState-approved Paramedic program
ExamNREMT Paramedic (Cognitive) ($175)
Application fee$190
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education60.0 hours per cycle
NotesApplicants must be at least 18 years old, complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and be sponsored by a DC-approved EMS agency. Renewal requires maintaining NREMT, ACLS, and CPR certifications.

Source: District of Columbia Department of Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration

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_circleDistrict of Columbia 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.
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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a paramedic in District of Columbia? expand_more
District of Columbia requires paramedics to complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive), and submit your application ($190 fee).
Is a paramedic license required in District of Columbia? expand_more
Yes, District of Columbia requires a state license to practice as a paramedic. The licensing body is District of Columbia Department of Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration. You must pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive).
How much does a paramedic make in District of Columbia? expand_more
paramedics in District of Columbia earn a median of $45,920 annually. This exceeds the $41,340 national median by 11%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $37,900, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $71,520.
What's the total cost to get paramedic certified in District of Columbia? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($175) and application fee ($190) and required training.
How long does it take to become a paramedic in District of Columbia? expand_more
Expect to spend 1-2 years from start to finish in District of Columbia — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
How many CE hours do paramedics need in District of Columbia? expand_more
License renewal in District of Columbia requires completing 60.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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