Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TX Board of Healthcare
EMT/Paramedic Licensing in Texas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for emt/paramedic in Texas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for EMT/Paramedic in Texas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Texas Department of State Health Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$53,960 median (8% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#30 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Texas eligibility requirements for EMT/Paramedic licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party 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 Texas Department of State Health Services and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Texas
With a median salary of $53,960, EMT/Paramedics in Texas earn 8% below the national median of $58,410. Texas ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,420Median annual salary
$53,960Hourly estimate
$25.948% below national median
Difference: -$4,450
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationEMT/Paramedic Salary Ranking
#30 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $53,960 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $47,890 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $45,710 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $50,800 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $50,340 | Specific course required | State exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Texas Department of State Health Services
PO Box 149347, Austin, TX, 78714-9347
Phone: 5127767111
Related Careers in Texas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $82,170 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $203,450 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $66,430 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $103,460 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a EMT/Paramedic in Texas?
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 Texas?
Texas 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 Texas?
The board typically expects Degree required for EMT/Paramedic licensure in Texas.
What is the typical EMT/Paramedic salary in Texas?
The median annual salary for EMT/Paramedics in Texas is $53,960. Salaries range from $39,120 (10th percentile) to $74,810 (90th percentile).
How does the EMT/Paramedic salary in Texas compare to the national average?
EMT/Paramedics in Texas earn 8% below the national median of $58,410, with a state median of $53,960.
How many EMT/Paramedics work in Texas?
Texas employs approximately 8,560 EMT/Paramedics according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my EMT/Paramedic license to Texas 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 EMT/Paramedics in Texas?
The licensing agency is Texas Department of State Health Services. Review agency details at https://dshs.texas.gov/.
How often do you renew a EMT/Paramedic license in Texas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.