How to Become a Paramedic in Minnesota (2026)

Updated September 2, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Minnesota employs about 1,690 paramedics earning a median $76,300 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 Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board.

Minnesota employs approximately 1,690 paramedics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $76,300 1. 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 Minnesota, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.

At a Glance

Quick Answers About How to Become a Paramedic in Minnesota

How to become a Paramedic in Minnesota? Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure. Apply through Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. 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 Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board.

Do I need a license in Minnesota? Yes. Minnesota certifies paramedics through Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board 4. You also pass the NREMT exam in most states. See the licensing section below.

What do paramedics earn in Minnesota? The median annual wage for paramedics in Minnesota is $76,300 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $60,320 and experienced professionals can earn $93,910 or more 1.

How to Become a Paramedic in Minnesota

  1. Hold an EMT credential and meet program entry rules. Paramedic programs in Minnesota 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 Minnesota. 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 Minnesota paramedic licensure. Apply through Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. 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 Minnesota

The Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board oversees paramedic licensure in Minnesota 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 Minnesota paramedic licensure.

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

Paramedic Wages by Metro Area in Minnesota

Paramedics Wages by Metro Area in Minnesota

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

Metro AreaEmploymentMedian Annual WageAvg. Annual WageEntry Level
(10th pctile)		Experienced
(90th pctile)
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington820$77,430$79,310$60,810$96,100
Fargo100$62,320$60,840$46,260$72,740
Sioux Falls80$50,550$51,410$42,030$59,290
Duluth60$60,010$64,810$48,870$80,550
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 Minnesota? Minnesota currently employs approximately 1,690 paramedics 1. Nationally, paramedic employment is projected to grow 5.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.

Can I work as a paramedic in Minnesota with an out-of-state license? Contact the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.

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

How much do paramedics earn in Minnesota compared to the national average? The median annual wage for paramedics in Minnesota is $76,300, which is $17,890 above the national median of $58,410 according to BLS data 1.

In Minnesota

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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

  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. Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board - Licensing Information: http://www.emsrb.state.mn.us ↩︎ ↩︎

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)