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

Public safety

Kansas employs 1,510 emts, with a statewide median of $35,780 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kansas licensing picture, and where to train.

What Emts Earn in Kansas (May 2025)

Kansas median pay: $35,780 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $28,560
Experienced (75th percentile): $39,060
Top earners (90th percentile): $53,710
Employed in Kansas: 1,510
U.S. median (for comparison): $39,380 (May 2024)

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

Kansas City: $42,670 (500 employed)
Joplin: $39,670 (80 employed)
Topeka: $38,960 (220 employed)
St. Joseph: $38,680 (50 employed)
Wichita: $36,860 (270 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Kansas

Prices in Kansas run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $35,780 median stretches to roughly $39,711 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Kansas (2024–2034)

Kansas is projected to grow emts employment +4.7%, about in line with the +5.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 140 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Kansas License and Certification Requirements

EMT certification — regulated by the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS).

Complete a KBEMS-approved EMT course including didactic, practical, and clinical requirements.
Pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams.
Apply for Kansas EMT certification through KBEMS and clear a background check.

Official requirements: Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS) →

Training in Kansas

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kansas include:

Allen County Community College — Certificate
Barton County Community College — Certificate / Associate
Butler Community College — Certificate / Associate
Cleveland University-Kansas City — Associate

Where Emts Work in Kansas

Real Kansas EMS agencies that employ emts include:

Dickinson County Emergency Medical Services - Abilene — Abilene
American Medical Responders - Alma — Alma
Harper County Emergency Medical Services — Anthony
Argonia Emergency Medical Services — Argonia
Clark County Ambulance — Ashland
Rawlins County Emergency Medical Services — Atwood

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 Kansas?

The median wage for emts in Kansas is $35,780 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $28,560, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $53,710. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

EMT certification, overseen by the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS). Complete a KBEMS-approved EMT course including didactic, practical, and clinical requirements.

Is being an EMT a good career in Kansas?

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

Which Kansas metros pay emts the most?

Among Kansas metro areas, Kansas City leads at $42,670, followed by Joplin ($39,670), Topeka ($38,960). 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 Kansas?

Real Kansas options include Allen County Community College, Barton County Community College, Butler Community College. Most emts start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is EMT a growing career in Kansas?

Kansas projects emts employment to change +4.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 140 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), Kansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2042. Licensing summary compiled from the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS) (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 Kansas wages · Kansas 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.