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

Public safety

Montana employs 860 emts, with a statewide median of $36,140 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Montana licensing picture, and where to train.

What Emts Earn in Montana (May 2025)

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

What That Pay Is Worth in Montana

Prices in Montana run about 5% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $36,140 median stretches to roughly $38,203 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Montana (2024–2034)

Montana is projected to grow emts employment +10.2%, faster than the +5.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 60 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Montana License and Certification Requirements

EMT license — regulated by the Montana DPHHS — EMS & Trauma Systems.

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

Official requirements: Montana DPHHS — EMS & Trauma Systems →

Training in Montana

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Montana include:

• Flathead Valley Community College — Associate
• Great Falls College Montana State University — Certificate / Associate
• Highlands College of Montana Tech — Associate
• Montana State University Billings — Certificate / Associate

Where Emts Work in Montana

Real Montana EMS agencies that employ emts include:

• Arlee Ambulance Service — Arlee
• Advanced Air Network — Belgrade
• Sweet Grass County Ambulance Service — Big Timber
• Bigfork Volunteer Ambulance — Bigfork
• Advanced Air Network — Billings
• American Medical Response Station 1 - Headquarters — Billings

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), Montana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2042. Licensing summary compiled from the Montana DPHHS — EMS & Trauma Systems (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 Montana wages · Montana 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.