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

Public safety

Massachusetts employs 4,550 emts, with a statewide median of $50,230 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Massachusetts licensing picture, and where to train.

What Emts Earn in Massachusetts (May 2025)

Massachusetts median pay: $50,230 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $40,140
Experienced (75th percentile): $54,000
Top earners (90th percentile): $69,830
Employed in Massachusetts: 4,550
U.S. median (for comparison): $39,380 (May 2024)

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

Boston: $50,560 (3,410 employed)
Worcester: $50,560 (440 employed)
Providence: $47,310 (710 employed)
Springfield: $45,600 (270 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Massachusetts

Prices in Massachusetts run about 6% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $50,230 median is worth closer to $47,476 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Massachusetts (2024–2034)

Massachusetts is projected to grow emts employment +2.0%, slower than the +5.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 320 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Massachusetts License and Certification Requirements

Massachusetts EMT Certification — regulated by the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) — Department of Public Health.

Complete a Massachusetts DPH-approved EMT Basic course (typically 120–150 hours, offered through community colleges, fire departments, and private training centers across the state).
Pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams — NREMT certification is the basis for Massachusetts state EMT certification.
Apply to the Massachusetts OEMS for state EMT certification. $150 initial application fee. Renew every two years with required CE. Boston EMS, Cataldo Ambulance, AMR Massachusetts, and rural volunteer rescue squads across the state are employers.

Official requirements: Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) — Department of Public Health →

Training in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has one of the most sophisticated EMS systems in the country, anchored by the Boston EMS system and Boston MedFlight. Many Massachusetts fire departments require EMT certification for firefighter hiring — getting certified opens both EMS and fire career paths. NEAEMSC (New England regional EMS coordination) provides additional training resources.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Massachusetts include:

Berkshire Community College — Associate
Bristol Community College — Certificate
Bunker Hill Community College — Certificate / Associate
Cape Cod Community College — Certificate

Where Emts Work in Massachusetts

Real Massachusetts EMS agencies that employ emts include:

Angels Ambulance Headquarters — Abington
Lifeline Ambulance Service - Concord — Acton
Acushnet Emergency Medical Services — Acushnet
Adams Ambulance Service — Adams
Six Flags New England Emergency Medical Services Department — Agawam
Lifeline Ambulance Service - Allston — Allston

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 Massachusetts?

The median wage for emts in Massachusetts is $50,230 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $40,140, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $69,830. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Massachusetts EMT Certification, overseen by the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) — Department of Public Health. Complete a Massachusetts DPH-approved EMT Basic course (typically 120–150 hours, offered through community colleges, fire departments, and private training centers across the state).

Is being an EMT a good career in Massachusetts?

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

Which Massachusetts metros pay emts the most?

Among Massachusetts metro areas, Boston leads at $50,560, followed by Worcester ($50,560), Providence ($47,310). 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 Massachusetts?

Real Massachusetts options include Berkshire Community College, Bristol Community College, Bunker Hill Community College. Most emts start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is EMT a growing career in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts projects emts employment to change +2.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 320 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), Massachusetts statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2042. Licensing summary compiled from the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) — Department of Public Health (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 Massachusetts wages · Massachusetts 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.