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

Public safety

Mississippi employs 1,390 emts, with a statewide median of $36,630 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Mississippi licensing picture, and where to train.

What Emts Earn in Mississippi (May 2025)

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

What That Pay Is Worth in Mississippi

Prices in Mississippi run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $36,630 median stretches to roughly $42,103 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Mississippi (2024–2034)

Mississippi is projected to grow emts employment +17.1%, faster than the +5.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 120 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Mississippi License and Certification Requirements

EMT license — regulated by the Mississippi State Dept. of Health — Bureau of EMS.

1. Complete a Bureau of EMS-approved EMT course including didactic, practical, and clinical requirements.
2. Pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams.
3. Apply for Mississippi EMT licensure through the Bureau of EMS and clear a background check.

Official requirements: Mississippi State Dept. of Health — Bureau of EMS →

Training in Mississippi

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Mississippi include:

• Coahoma Community College — Certificate / Associate
• Copiah-Lincoln Community College — Associate
• East Central Community College — Certificate / Associate
• East Mississippi Community College — Certificate / Associate

Where Emts Work in Mississippi

Real Mississippi EMS agencies that employ emts include:

• Emserv Ambulance Service - Springs Station — Bay Springs
• Tishomingo Health Service Ambulance Service - Belmont — Belmont
• Rural / Metro Corporation — Booneville
• Aaa Ambulance Service - McNeill — Carriere
• Carthage Ambulance Service — Carthage
• Transcare Ambulance Service - Tallahatchie County — Charleston

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

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Mississippi statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2042. Licensing summary compiled from the Mississippi State Dept. of Health — Bureau 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 Mississippi wages · Mississippi 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.