EMT in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Public safety

Arkansas employs 1,120 emts, with a statewide median of $36,230 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.

What Emts Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)

Arkansas median pay: $36,230 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $28,370
Experienced (75th percentile): $41,670
Top earners (90th percentile): $49,910
Employed in Arkansas: 1,120
U.S. median (for comparison): $39,380 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for emts in major Arkansas markets:

Fayetteville: $41,670 (110 employed)
Memphis: $38,620 (860 employed)
Little Rock: $37,530 (240 employed)
Jonesboro: $34,680 (60 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Arkansas

Prices in Arkansas run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 86.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $36,230 median stretches to roughly $41,692 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)

Arkansas is projected to grow emts employment +11.8%, faster than the +5.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 110 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Arkansas License and Certification Requirements

EMT license — regulated by the Arkansas Dept. of Health — Section of EMS.

Complete a Dept. of Health-approved EMT course including didactic, practical, and clinical requirements.
Pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams.
Apply for Arkansas EMT licensure through the Dept. of Health and clear a background check.

Official requirements: Arkansas Dept. of Health — Section of EMS →

Training in Arkansas

Fast, affordable entry and the gateway to paramedic or firefighting. Ambulance services and fire departments hire EMTs.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arkansas include:

Arkansas Northeastern College — Certificate / Associate
Arkansas State University — Certificate / Associate
Arkansas State University Mid-South — Certificate / Associate
Arkansas State University-Beebe — Certificate / Associate

Where Emts Work in Arkansas

Real Arkansas EMS agencies that employ emts include:

Potlatch Corporation Ambulance — Arkansas City
Nucor - Yamato Steel Company — Armorel
Lifenet Incorporated - Ashdown — Ashdown
Pope County Emergency Medical Services Station 2 — Atkins
Southern Paramedic Service - Augusta — Augusta
Bald Knob Area Ambulance — Bald Knob

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want fast healthcare entry, thrive under pressure, and want a credential that opens doors to paramedic and firefighter careers.

Think twice if: Physically demanding patient lifting, shift work including nights and weekends, and starting wages under $40k sound impractical.

Why it's resilient: Emergency medical response is inherently physical, local, and human — impossible to automate and always urgently needed.

First Steps

Enroll in an EMT-Basic program — most run about 150 hours over one semester at a community college or fire academy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do emts make in Arkansas?

The median wage for emts in Arkansas is $36,230 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $28,370, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $49,910. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an EMT in Arkansas?

EMT license, overseen by the Arkansas Dept. of Health — Section of EMS. Complete a Dept. of Health-approved EMT course including didactic, practical, and clinical requirements.

Is being an EMT a good career in Arkansas?

Emergency medical response is inherently physical, local, and human — impossible to automate and always urgently needed.

Which Arkansas metros pay emts the most?

Among Arkansas metro areas, Fayetteville leads at $41,670, followed by Memphis ($38,620), Little Rock ($37,530). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become an EMT in Arkansas?

Real Arkansas options include Arkansas Northeastern College, Arkansas State University, Arkansas State University Mid-South. Most emts start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is EMT a growing career in Arkansas?

Arkansas projects emts employment to change +11.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 110 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Arkansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2042. Licensing summary compiled from the Arkansas Dept. of Health — Section of EMS (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Arkansas wages · Arkansas licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.