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EMT in Colorado

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CO

Median Salary

$43,950

Colorado (2024)

National Median

$41,340

All states

License Fees

$154

Exam + application

Time to Complete

3-6 months

From start to licensed

How to Become an EMT in Colorado

To become a certified EMT in Colorado, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and be at least 18 years old. Key steps include passing the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams, undergoing a fingerprint-based background check, and holding a current Healthcare Provider level BLS CPR certification. While Colorado does not have direct reciprocity, it participates in the EMS Compact, allowing qualified EMS providers from other member states to practice under specific conditions.

EMT Requirements in Colorado

Detail	Colorado
Licensing Body	Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
State License Required	Yes
Education	State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Application Fee	$50
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing Education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 18 years old. Renewal requires maintaining NREMT certification or completing state-specific continuing education. A fingerprint-based background check and current CPR certification (Healthcare Provider level BLS) are also required. Colorado is part of the EMS Compact, which grants a privilege to practice for EMS providers from other member states under specific conditions.

Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

License Tiers

Colorado offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:

Tier	Hours Required
EMR	N/A
EMT	N/A
AEMT	N/A
Paramedic	N/A

EMT Salary in Colorado

The median emt salary in Colorado is $43,950 per year, which is 6.3% above the national median of $41,340.

Percentile	Annual Salary
10th (entry level)	$37,900
25th	$39,000
50th (median)	$43,950
75th	$48,160
90th (experienced)	$51,950

Colorado employs approximately 3,420 emts.

EMT Job Outlook

10-Year Growth

+5.1%

Faster than average

Annual Openings

14.1

Nationwide per year

Total Employment

181

Nationwide

Is Becoming an EMT in Colorado Worth It?

Factors to consider: Colorado's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to becoming an emt in Colorado?

The path to emt licensure in Colorado: complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.), pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams, and submit your application ($50 fee).

Does Colorado require emt licensure?

You cannot practice as an emt in Colorado without a state license from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The required exam is the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

What do emts earn in Colorado?

emts in Colorado earn a median of $43,950 annually. This exceeds the $41,340 national median by 6%. Wages range from $37,900 (10th percentile) up to $51,950 (90th percentile).

How much does it cost to become an emt in Colorado?

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($104) and application fee ($50) and required training.

What's the timeline to become an emt in Colorado?

Expect to spend 3-6 months from start to finish in Colorado — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

How many CE hours do emts need in Colorado?

To keep your license active, Colorado mandates 40.0 CE hours every 3.0 years.