How to Become an EMT in Texas (2026)
Texas employs about 12,770 EMTs earning a median $37,260 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as an EMT here means completing a state-approved EMT course (typically a few months), the NREMT exam, and state or local EMT certification, then applying through Texas Department of State Health Services.
Texas employs approximately 12,770 EMTs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $37,260 1. Nationally, emt employment is projected to grow 5.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 14,100 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become an EMT in Texas, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: state-approved EMT course at a community college, fire academy, or EMS training program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a state-approved EMT course (typically a few months), the NREMT exam, and state or local EMT certification
- Licensing authority: Texas Department of State Health Services
- Exam: NREMT (most states)
- Median wage (Texas): $37,260 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become an EMT in Texas
How to become an EMT in Texas? Complete a state-approved EMT course (typically a few months), the NREMT exam, and state or local EMT certification. Apply through Texas Department of State Health Services. See the NREMT 3 for the national exam.
How long does it take? Most people finish a state-approved EMT course (typically a few months), the NREMT exam, and state or local EMT certification. Confirm current hour totals with the training program and Texas Department of State Health Services.
Do I need a license in Texas? Yes. Texas certifies EMTs through Texas Department of State Health Services 4. You also pass the NREMT exam in most states. See the licensing section below.
What do EMTs earn in Texas? The median annual wage for EMTs in Texas is $37,260 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $30,320 and experienced professionals can earn $52,160 or more 1.
How to Become an EMT in Texas
- Meet basic requirements. Most Texas EMT courses require you to be 18 (some allow 16 or 17 to train), hold a high school diploma or GED, and hold current CPR or BLS. Confirm the current age and health-screening rules with the training program.
- Complete a state-approved EMT course. Finish a state-approved EMT course in Texas. Courses are usually a few months at a community college, fire academy, or EMS training program, with classroom hours plus skills labs and clinical time. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NREMT exam. Pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians EMT exam. Most states use NREMT as the cognitive test; some still require a psychomotor exam. See the NREMT 3.
- Get your Texas EMT certification. Apply through Texas Department of State Health Services. Some states also issue a local EMS agency card on top of the state credential. You cannot practice as an EMT until that certification is current.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
EMT License Requirements in Texas
The Texas Department of State Health Services oversees EMS certification in Texas 4. Most candidates also take the NREMT exam 3.
Typical EMT path
- Meet age, diploma or GED, and CPR requirements.
- Complete a state-approved EMT course (typically a few months).
- Pass the NREMT EMT exam.
- Apply for Texas EMT certification (and a local EMS agency card if the state uses one).
EMT is the entry credential. Advanced EMT and paramedic are later rungs on the same ladder, not the first license to chase.
Hour totals, background checks, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Texas EMS office before you enroll.
EMT Wages by Metro Area in Texas
Emergency Medical Technicians Wages by Metro Area in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), emergency medical technicians wages in Texas vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 3,000 | $37,900 | $41,770 | $33,690 | $55,490 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 2,680 | $38,890 | $42,240 | $32,610 | $53,690 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 1,100 | $37,160 | $39,810 | $31,640 | $48,400 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 880 | $45,740 | $46,530 | $36,710 | $59,790 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 590 | $33,620 | $33,620 | $28,840 | $41,750 |
| El Paso | 470 | $33,820 | $34,240 | $26,960 | $43,230 |
| Corpus Christi | 280 | $36,120 | $36,630 | $30,500 | $44,850 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | 230 | $34,750 | $37,130 | $30,910 | $45,000 |
| Lubbock | 180 | $35,130 | $37,510 | $29,540 | $48,320 |
| Amarillo | 160 | $36,300 | $37,090 | $30,580 | $44,710 |
| Longview | 160 | $32,290 | $33,150 | $22,400 | $42,920 |
| Tyler | 140 | $37,410 | $39,530 | $30,580 | $46,600 |
| Laredo | 130 | $37,040 | $36,290 | $28,100 | $41,770 |
| Abilene | 100 | $38,290 | $37,620 | $30,700 | $44,150 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | 100 | $33,820 | $36,250 | $27,980 | $48,930 |
| Sherman-Denison | 90 | $37,880 | $43,950 | $31,290 | $61,810 |
| Waco | 90 | $35,550 | $36,850 | $30,630 | $45,750 |
| Eagle Pass | 80 | $33,980 | $33,420 | $28,490 | $37,780 |
| Victoria | 60 | $33,770 | $35,940 | $30,740 | $42,060 |
| Wichita Falls | 60 | $36,370 | $37,190 | $29,860 | $45,940 |
| College Station-Bryan | 50 | $44,420 | $44,460 | $32,190 | $56,450 |
| Midland | 50 | $44,140 | $44,840 | $36,390 | $56,870 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for EMTs in Texas? Texas currently employs approximately 12,770 EMTs 1. Nationally, emt employment is projected to grow 5.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Texas? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Texas.
How much do EMTs earn in Texas compared to the national average? The median annual wage for EMTs in Texas is $37,260, which is $4,080 below the national median of $41,340 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NREMT - National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: https://www.nremt.org/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Texas Department of State Health Services - Licensing Information: https://dshs.texas.gov/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |