How to Become a Paramedic in Alaska (2026)

Alaska employs about 310 paramedics earning a median $71,860 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Paramedic here means completing a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure, then applying through Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS.

Alaska employs approximately 310 paramedics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $71,860 1. The state’s concentration of paramedic jobs is 1.49x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, paramedic employment is projected to grow 5.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 4,900 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Paramedic in Alaska, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.

At a Glance

Quick Answers About How to Become a Paramedic in Alaska

How to become a Paramedic in Alaska? Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure. Apply through Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS. See the NREMT 3 for the national exam.

How long does it take? Most people finish a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the training program and Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS.

Do I need a license in Alaska? Yes. Alaska certifies paramedics through Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS 4. You also pass the NREMT exam in most states. See the licensing section below.

What do paramedics earn in Alaska? The median annual wage for paramedics in Alaska is $71,860 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $53,820 and experienced professionals can earn $103,550 or more 1.

How to Become a Paramedic in Alaska

  1. Hold an EMT credential and meet program entry rules. Paramedic programs in Alaska typically require a current EMT certification, a high school diploma or GED, and CPR. Confirm age, driving, and background-check rules with the program.
  2. Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program. Enroll in a state-approved, CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program in Alaska. These programs are longer than EMT training and combine classroom work with clinical and field internships. Confirm current length with the program. This is not a registered apprenticeship path.
  3. Pass the NREMT paramedic exam. Pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians paramedic exam. See the NREMT 3 for current cognitive and psychomotor rules.
  4. Apply for Alaska paramedic licensure. Apply through Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS. Some states also require a local EMS agency affiliation. Confirm current fees and reciprocity before you practice.

Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.

Paramedic License Requirements in Alaska

The Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS oversees paramedic licensure in Alaska 4. Most candidates complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT and take the NREMT paramedic exam 3.

Typical paramedic path

  1. Hold a current EMT certification.
  2. Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program (longer than EMT; confirm length with the school).
  3. Pass the NREMT paramedic exam.
  4. Apply for Alaska paramedic licensure.

Hour totals, background checks, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Alaska EMS office before you enroll.

Paramedic Wages by Metro Area in Alaska

Paramedics Wages by Metro Area in Alaska

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), paramedics wages in Alaska vary by metro area.

Metro AreaEmploymentMedian Annual WageAvg. Annual WageEntry Level
(10th pctile)
Experienced
(90th pctile)
Anchorage160$65,630$77,280$56,800$105,610
La Crosse-Onalaska50$59,280$62,390$46,850$74,640

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 paramedics in Alaska? Alaska currently employs approximately 310 paramedics 1. Nationally, paramedic employment is projected to grow 5.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.

Can I work as a paramedic in Alaska with an out-of-state license? Contact the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development - State Medical Board for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.

What training programs are available in Alaska? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Alaska.

How much do paramedics earn in Alaska compared to the national average? The median annual wage for paramedics in Alaska is $71,860, which is $13,450 above the national median of $58,410 according to BLS data 1.

In Alaska

Explore More Trades in Alaska

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


  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. NREMT - National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: https://www.nremt.org/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  4. Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS - Licensing Information: https://health.alaska.gov/dph/Emergency/Pages/ems/certification.aspx ↩︎ ↩︎

Data sources

Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.

DataProviderVintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsMay 2025
Employment ProjectionsU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2024-2034
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data SystemNational Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS)2024
College Scorecard (school-level outcomes)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release
College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release (updated 2026-06-12)
Occupational licensing requirementsCareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2026-02-22)
Registered apprenticeship programsCareerOneStop / 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)