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EMT/Paramedic Licensing in Pennsylvania

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for emt/paramedic in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for EMT/Paramedic in Pennsylvania

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Medicine Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $57,670 median (1% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #26 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Pennsylvania

With a median salary of 57,670, EMT/Paramedics in Pennsylvania earn 1% below the national median of $58,410. Pennsylvania ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$57,670

Hourly estimate

$27.73
1% below national median

Difference: -$740

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$42,530
  • P2525th percentile$48,330
  • P50Median$57,670
  • P7575th percentile$64,240
  • P9090th percentile$78,490

State vs National Median

State: $57,670
National: $58,410

Total employment: 4,070 | Annual openings: N/A

EMT/Paramedic Salary Ranking

#26 of 50 statesfor EMT/Paramedic median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington100,780
#2New Jersey80,100
#3Connecticut75,400
#4Oregon73,380
#5California72,180

Nearby States Comparison

EMT/Paramedic licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Pennsylvania$57,670Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
New York$66,420No educational requirementsState-approved exam6-24 months
New Jersey$80,100Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Delaware$62,040Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Maryland$67,670Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
West Virginia$48,190Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Ohio$47,960Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

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
Pennsylvania50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York70MediumDocumented experience may be required.
New Jersey50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Delaware50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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

Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Medicine Board

P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649

Phone: 7177831400

Related Careers in Pennsylvania

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$87,210Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$75,610Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$61,520Degree required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$48,290Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a EMT/Paramedic in Pennsylvania?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for EMT/Paramedics in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for EMT/Paramedics.

What education do you need to become a EMT/Paramedic in Pennsylvania?

The board typically expects Degree required for EMT/Paramedic licensure in Pennsylvania.

What is the typical EMT/Paramedic salary in Pennsylvania?

The median annual salary for EMT/Paramedics in Pennsylvania is 57,670. Salaries range from $42,530 (10th percentile) to $78,490 (90th percentile).

How does the EMT/Paramedic salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?

EMT/Paramedics in Pennsylvania earn 1% below the national median of $58,410, with a state median of 57,670.

How many EMT/Paramedics work in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania employs approximately 4,070 EMT/Paramedics according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my EMT/Paramedic license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Medicine Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/Pages/default.aspx.