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EMT in Georgia

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

Median Salary

$39,250

Georgia (2024)

National Median

$41,340

All states

License Fees

$179

Exam + application

Time to Complete

3-6 months

From start to licensed

How to Become an EMT in Georgia

To become an EMT in Georgia, you must complete a state-approved EMT training program and hold a high school diploma or GED. You'll need to pass both the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams, and then apply for licensure through the Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of EMS and Trauma. A criminal background check and proof of lawful U.S. residency are also required. While Georgia does not have a direct reciprocity process, current NREMT certification can facilitate licensure for out-of-state applicants, and Georgia is part of the EMS Compact, which grants a Privilege to Practice for licensees from other compact states.

EMT Requirements in Georgia

Detail	Georgia
Licensing Body	Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of EMS and Trauma
State License Required	Yes
Education	State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Application Fee	$75
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing Education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old. Requires a criminal background check through the Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS) using Idemia (IdentoGO) and Service Code 2TGJY5. Must also provide proof of lawful U.S. residency and a current CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider level.

Source: Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of EMS and Trauma

License Tiers

Georgia offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:

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

EMT Salary in Georgia

The median emt salary in Georgia is $39,250 per year, which is 5.1% below the national median of $41,340.

Percentile	Annual Salary
10th (entry level)	$30,510
25th	$35,290
50th (median)	$39,250
75th	$45,930
90th (experienced)	$49,170

Georgia employs approximately 5,740 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 Georgia Worth It?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's required to work as an emt in Georgia?

In Georgia, becoming an emt requires you to 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 ($75 fee).

Do I need a license to work as an emt in Georgia?

Yes, Georgia requires a state license to practice as an emt. The licensing body is Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of EMS and Trauma. You must pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

How much do emts make in Georgia?

Georgia emts bring home a median salary of $39,250. That's 5% below the national median of $41,340. The range spans from $30,510 at the entry level to $49,170 for top earners.

How expensive is emt licensing in Georgia?

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($104) and application fee ($75) and required training.

How quickly can I become an emt in Georgia?

Most candidates in Georgia complete the process in 3-6 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Does Georgia require continuing education for emts?

To keep your license active, Georgia mandates 40.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.