Home/ EMT/ Minnesota

EMT in Minnesota

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

Median Salary

$45,690

Minnesota (2024)

National Median

$41,340

All states

Time to Complete

3-6 months

From start to licensed

How to Become an EMT in Minnesota

To become a certified EMT in Minnesota, applicants must complete a state-approved EMT training program, possess a high school diploma or GED, and hold a current CPR Health Care Provider certification. They must then pass both the cognitive and psychomotor National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exams. Certification is handled by the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) and must be renewed every two years, requiring 40 hours of continuing education. Minnesota offers reciprocity for individuals with a current NREMT certification from another state.

EMT Requirements in Minnesota

Detail	Minnesota
Licensing Body	Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS)
State License Required	Yes
Education	State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and current CPR Health Care Provider certification.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
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. As of January 1, 2025, the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) replaces the EMSRB.

Source: Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS)

License Tiers

Minnesota offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:

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

EMT Salary in Minnesota

The median emt salary in Minnesota is $45,690 per year, which is 10.5% above the national median of $41,340.

Percentile	Annual Salary
10th (entry level)	$34,620
25th	$40,560
50th (median)	$45,690
75th	$49,160
90th (experienced)	$60,230

Minnesota employs approximately 2,840 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 Minnesota Worth It?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become an emt in Minnesota?

Minnesota requires emts to complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and current CPR Health Care Provider certification.), and pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

Does Minnesota require emt licensure?

You cannot practice as an emt in Minnesota without a state license from Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS). The required exam is the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

How much does an emt make in Minnesota?

Minnesota emts bring home a median salary of $45,690. That's 11% above the national median of $41,340. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $34,620, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $60,230.

How expensive is emt licensing in Minnesota?

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

How long does it take to become an emt in Minnesota?

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

Does Minnesota require continuing education for emts?

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