EMT in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Public safety

North Dakota employs 760 emts, with a statewide median of $39,670 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.

What Emts Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)

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

What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota

Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $39,670 median stretches to roughly $44,573 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)

North Dakota is projected to grow emts employment +8.4%, 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.

North Dakota License and Certification Requirements

EMT license — regulated by the North Dakota Health & Human Services — Division of EMS.

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

Official requirements: North Dakota Health & Human Services — Division of EMS →

Training in North Dakota

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Dakota include:

• Bismarck State College — Certificate / Associate
• Dakota College at Bottineau — Certificate / Associate
• North Dakota State College of Science — Certificate / Associate
• Rasmussen University-North Dakota — Associate

Where Emts Work in North Dakota

Real North Dakota EMS agencies that employ emts include:

• Almont Ambulance Service — Almont
• Aneta Ambulance Service — Aneta
• Ashley Ambulance Service — Ashley
• Community Ambulance Service Incorporated — Beach
• Belcourt Ambulance Service — Belcourt
• Belfield Ambulance Service Incorporated — Belfield

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), North Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2042. Licensing summary compiled from the North Dakota Health & Human Services — Division 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 North Dakota wages · North Dakota 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.