Paramedic in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Washington.
Jobs (WA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a paramedic in Washington
To become a certified Paramedic in Washington, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. The licensing body is the Washington State Department of Health, EMS & Trauma Systems. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and undergo a background check. Additionally, affiliation with a licensed EMS agency and approval from a county medical program director are required for licensure. Washington offers reciprocity for out-of-state paramedics who meet specific criteria, including an approved HIV/AIDS course.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Washington. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Washington requirements
| Licensing body | Washington State Department of Health, EMS & Trauma Systems |
| State license | Required |
| Education | State-approved Paramedic program |
| Exam | NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive) ($175) |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing education | 150.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Washington offers reciprocity but requires an approved exam if prior one is old, plus an HIV/AIDS course.Reciprocal states: Washington offers reciprocity for paramedics from other states or national certification agencies, provided other requirements are met. This includes having completed an accredited program (if trained after June 30, 1996) and passing an approved examination if the previous one was more than 12 months old. An HIV/AIDS course approved by Washington is also required. Reciprocity is generally recognized for British Columbia, Idaho, and Oregon for cross-border patient transport, but specific county requirements may vary (e.g., King County only reciprocates EMT-B). |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or GED. A background check is required. In-state applicants must hold EMT certification for one year before commencing paramedic studies. All applicants need approval from the medical director of the county in which they will be working and proof of affiliation with a licensed EMS agency. The NREMT Paramedic exam no longer includes a psychomotor component as of July 1, 2024. Psychomotor exam fees varied by location prior to this change. |
Source: Washington State Department of Health, EMS & Trauma Systems
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Washington? See whether Washington 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_circleWashington license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)
Compare Paramedic head-to-head
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