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Paramedic in Missouri

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

Median Salary

$38,580

Missouri (2024)

National Median

$41,340

All states

License Fees

$260

Exam + application

Time to Complete

1-2 years

From start to licensed

How to Become a Paramedic in Missouri

To become a licensed Paramedic in Missouri, individuals must first be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Missouri EMT license. The process involves completing a state-approved paramedic education program, passing both the cognitive and psychomotor National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic exams, and submitting an application with a background check to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Bureau of EMS. Missouri does not offer direct reciprocity; applicants with out-of-state licenses must achieve NREMT certification and apply for initial licensure in Missouri. Licenses are renewed every two years and require 144 hours of continuing education.

Paramedic Requirements in Missouri

Detail	Missouri
Licensing Body	Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Bureau of EMS
State License Required	Yes
Education	State-approved Paramedic program
Exam	NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($110)
Application Fee	$150
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing Education	144.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Must hold a valid Missouri EMT license before enrolling in a paramedic program. Requires a background check and current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Paramedic programs typically take 1 to 2 years to complete, not including the time to become an EMT first. The NREMT cognitive exam fee is $110. Psychomotor exam fees vary by location, with some examples ranging from $250-$350 for a full exam and $65-$100 per retested skill.

Source: Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Bureau of EMS

Paramedic Salary in Missouri

The median paramedic salary in Missouri is $38,580 per year, which is 6.7% below the national median of $41,340.

Percentile	Annual Salary
10th (entry level)	$30,370
25th	$35,070
50th (median)	$38,580
75th	$46,150
90th (experienced)	$49,970

Missouri employs approximately 3,320 paramedics.

Paramedic Job Outlook

10-Year Growth

+5.1%

Faster than average

Annual Openings

14.1

Nationwide per year

Total Employment

181

Nationwide

Is Becoming a Paramedic in Missouri Worth It?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get certified as a paramedic in Missouri?

The path to paramedic licensure in Missouri: complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor), and submit your application ($150 fee).

Does Missouri require paramedic licensure?

A state license is required in Missouri. Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Bureau of EMS handles paramedic licensing — the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) is part of the process.

How much does a paramedic make in Missouri?

In Missouri, the median pay for paramedics comes to $38,580/year. This trails the $41,340 national median by 7%. The range spans from $30,370 at the entry level to $49,970 for top earners.

How expensive is paramedic licensing in Missouri?

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($110) and application fee ($150) and required training.

How quickly can I become a paramedic in Missouri?

Expect to spend 1-2 years from start to finish in Missouri — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

How many CE hours do paramedics need in Missouri?

To keep your license active, Missouri mandates 144.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.