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

Public safety

Oregon employs 1,970 emts, with a statewide median of $49,270 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.

What Emts Earn in Oregon (May 2025)

Oregon median pay: $49,270 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $37,600
Experienced (75th percentile): $55,530
Top earners (90th percentile): $63,430
Employed in Oregon: 1,970
U.S. median (for comparison): $39,380 (May 2024)

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

Portland: $52,010 (1,040 employed)
Salem: $50,800 (210 employed)
Medford: $48,460 (170 employed)
Eugene: $43,280 (150 employed)
Bend: $36,630 (60 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon

Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $49,270 median is worth closer to $47,650 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)

Oregon is projected to grow emts employment +10.4%, faster than the +5.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 170 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Oregon License and Certification Requirements

EMT license — regulated by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) — EMS & Trauma Systems.

Complete an OHA-approved EMT course including didactic, practical, and clinical requirements.
Pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams.
Apply for Oregon EMT licensure through OHA and clear a background check.

Official requirements: Oregon Health Authority (OHA) — EMS & Trauma Systems →

Training in Oregon

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Oregon include:

Blue Mountain Community College — Certificate
Carrington College-Portland — Associate
Central Oregon Community College — Certificate / Associate
Chemeketa Community College — Certificate / Associate

Where Emts Work in Oregon

Real Oregon EMS agencies that employ emts include:

East Umatilla County Health District — Athena
Oregon Air Life - Headquarters — Bend
Morrow County Health District - Boardman Station — Boardman
Cal - Ore Life Flight Ground — Brookings
Condon Ambulance Service — Condon
Med Trans of Oregon — Eugene

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 Oregon?

The median wage for emts in Oregon is $49,270 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $37,600, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $63,430. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

EMT license, overseen by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) — EMS & Trauma Systems. Complete an OHA-approved EMT course including didactic, practical, and clinical requirements.

Is being an EMT a good career in Oregon?

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

Which Oregon metros pay emts the most?

Among Oregon metro areas, Portland leads at $52,010, followed by Salem ($50,800), Medford ($48,460). 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 Oregon?

Real Oregon options include Blue Mountain Community College, Carrington College-Portland, Central Oregon Community College. Most emts start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is EMT a growing career in Oregon?

Oregon projects emts employment to change +10.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 170 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2042. Licensing summary compiled from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) — 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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.