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Verified by WI Board of Healthcare

EMT/Paramedic Licensing in Wisconsin

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for EMT/Paramedic in Wisconsin

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    An individual who is specially trained in emergency cardiac, trauma, and other lifesaving or emergency procedures in a training program or course of instruction and who is examined and licensed as an emergency medical technician paramedic.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    WI Dept of Health Services • Bureau of Local Health Support and Emergency Medical Services

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $56,010 median (4% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #27 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for EMT/Paramedic licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to WI Dept of Health Services~Bureau of Local Health Support and Emergency Medical Services and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Wisconsin

With a median salary of $56,010, EMT/Paramedics in Wisconsin earn 4% below the national median of $58,410. Wisconsin ranks #27 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,213

Median annual salary

$56,010

Hourly estimate

$26.93
4% below national median

Difference: -$2,400

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$41,190
  • P2525th percentile$47,080
  • P50Median$56,010
  • P7575th percentile$66,400
  • P9090th percentile$78,310

State vs National Median

State: $56,010
National: $58,410

Total employment: 1,910 | Annual openings: N/A

EMT/Paramedic Salary Ranking

#27 of 50 statesfor EMT/Paramedic median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$100,780
#2New Jersey$80,100
#3Connecticut$75,400
#4Oregon$73,380
#5California$72,180

Nearby States Comparison

EMT/Paramedic licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Wisconsin$56,010Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$68,000Varies by state boardState-approved exam1 month
Iowa$53,470Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$59,110Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Michigan$50,320Specific course requiredThird-party exam required2-18 years

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
Wisconsin50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
Michigan50LowState-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

Official website verified

WI Dept of Health Services • Bureau of Local Health Support and Emergency Medical Services

1 W. Wilson St., Madison, WI, 53703

Phone: 6082661865

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FAQ

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

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 Wisconsin?

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

The board typically expects Specific course required for EMT/Paramedic licensure in Wisconsin.

What is the typical EMT/Paramedic salary in Wisconsin?

The median annual salary for EMT/Paramedics in Wisconsin is $56,010. Salaries range from $41,190 (10th percentile) to $78,310 (90th percentile).

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

EMT/Paramedics in Wisconsin earn 4% below the national median of $58,410, with a state median of $56,010.

How many EMT/Paramedics work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin employs approximately 1,910 EMT/Paramedics according to BLS data.

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

The licensing agency is WI Dept of Health Services / Bureau of Local Health Support and Emergency Medical Services. Review agency details at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ems/licensing/index.htm.

How often do you renew a EMT/Paramedic license in Wisconsin?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.