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Emergency Medical Technician Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for emergency medical technician in California, including $300 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

$300

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

Renewal al Period: For all licenses/certifications, every 2 years

Licensing Blueprint for Emergency Medical Technician in California

Estimated timeline: 2-18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    License Renewal: $250.

  3. 3

    License Reinstatement: $300.

  4. 4

    Examination: $125 payable to National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

  5. 5

    Examination Frequency: Varies.

  6. 6

    Exam Locations: Various locations throughout the State.

  7. 7

    Examination: $80 payable to National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

Exam and processing details

  • $125 payable to National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
  • Frequency: Varies.
  • Locations: Various locations throughout the State.
  • Fingerprinting: $49 Dept. of Justice & FBI.
  • For EMT: $80 payable to National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
  • Frequency: Varies.
  • Locations: Various locations throughout the State.
  • Fingerprinting: $49 Dept. of Justice & FBI.
  • For AEMT: $115 payable to National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
  • Frequency: Varies.
  • Locations: Various locations throughout the State.
  • Fingerprinting: $49 Dept. of Justice & FBI.
  • Experience

Continuing education and program notes

  • certified to carry an epinephrine autoinjector device
Fee TypeAmount
For EPI$15.00
Initial Licensure for In-State Applicants$300
Initial Licensure for Out-of-State Applicants$350

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Emergency Medical Services Authority • Emergency Medical Services Personnel Division • Paramedic Program

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $300

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal al Period: For all licenses/certifications, every 2 years

  4. Salary Position

    $45,680 median (10% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #13 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Emergency Medical Technician licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: $125 payable to National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Frequency: Varies. Locations: Various locations throughout the State. Fingerprinting: $49 Dept. of Ju....
  4. 4. Budget filing costs (For EPI: $15.00; Initial Licensure for In-State Applicants: $300).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Emergency Medical Services Authority~Emergency Medical Services Personnel Division~Paramedic Program and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al Period: For all licenses/certifications, every 2 years).

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $45,680, Emergency Medical Technicians in California earn 10% above the national median of $41,340. California ranks #13 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$45,680

Hourly estimate

$21.96
10% above national median

Difference: +$4,340

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$37,370
  • P2525th percentile$40,290
  • P50Median$45,680
  • P7575th percentile$58,410
  • P9090th percentile$76,630

State vs National Median

State: $45,680
National: $41,340

Total employment: 19,020 | Annual openings: N/A

Emergency Medical Technician Salary Ranking

#13 of 50 statesfor Emergency Medical Technician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Hawaii$61,310
#2Alaska$56,900
#3New Jersey$49,500
#4Rhode Island$49,500
#5Washington$48,850

Nearby States Comparison

Emergency Medical Technician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$45,680Varies by state boardState-approved exam2-18 years
Oregon$48,070Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$38,980Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams required18 years
Arizona$38,110Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Emergency Medical Services Authority • Emergency Medical Services Personnel Division • Paramedic Program

11120 International Drive, Suite 200, Rancho Cordova, CA, 95670

Phone: 9163239875

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Athletic Trainer$74,150Varies by state boardVaries by board
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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Emergency Medical Technician in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Emergency Medical Technician salary in California?

The median annual salary for Emergency Medical Technicians in California is $45,680. Salaries range from $37,370 (10th percentile) to $76,630 (90th percentile).

How does the Emergency Medical Technician salary in California compare to the national average?

Emergency Medical Technicians in California earn 10% above the national median of $41,340, with a state median of $45,680.

How many Emergency Medical Technicians work in California?

California employs approximately 19,020 Emergency Medical Technicians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Emergency Medical Technician license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Emergency Medical Technicians in California?

The licensing agency is Emergency Medical Services Authority / Emergency Medical Services Personnel Division / Paramedic Program. Review agency details at https://emsa.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Emergency Medical Technician license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al Period: For all licenses/certifications, every 2 years.