Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Healthcare
EMT/Paramedic Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for emt/paramedic in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for EMT/Paramedic in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
Physical Requirement: Some physical requirements.
- 5
Certification: Certification required.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Certified To Defibrillate, Administer Cardiac Drugs, Perform Endotracheal Intubation, As Well As Several Additional Advanced Life Suppo
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Department of Health & Human Services • Health Service Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$51,110 median (12% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#36 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for EMT/Paramedic licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to NC Department of Health & Human Services~Health Service Regulation and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $51,110, EMT/Paramedics in North Carolina earn 12% below the national median of $58,410. North Carolina ranks #36 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$51,110Hourly estimate
$24.5712% below national median
Difference: -$7,300
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationEMT/Paramedic Salary Ranking
#36 of 50 statesfor EMT/Paramedic median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $100,780 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $80,100 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $75,400 |
| #4 | Oregon | $73,380 |
| #5 | California | $72,180 |
Nearby States Comparison
EMT/Paramedic licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $51,110 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $58,570 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $52,860 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Georgia | $51,740 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $50,130 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Georgia | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NC Department of Health & Human Services • Health Service Regulation
2701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC, 27699-2701
Phone: 9198553750
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $73,100 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $397,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $52,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $79,460 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a EMT/Paramedic in North Carolina?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for EMT/Paramedics in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for EMT/Paramedics.
What education do you need to become a EMT/Paramedic in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Specific course required for EMT/Paramedic licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical EMT/Paramedic salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for EMT/Paramedics in North Carolina is $51,110. Salaries range from $40,240 (10th percentile) to $70,630 (90th percentile).
How does the EMT/Paramedic salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
EMT/Paramedics in North Carolina earn 12% below the national median of $58,410, with a state median of $51,110.
How many EMT/Paramedics work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 5,330 EMT/Paramedics according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my EMT/Paramedic license to North Carolina from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for EMT/Paramedics in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Department of Health & Human Services / Health Service Regulation. Review agency details at https://info.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/testrules.htm.
How often do you renew a EMT/Paramedic license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.