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

Public safety

Texas employs 12,770 emts, with a statewide median of $37,260 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Texas licensing picture, and where to train.

What Emts Earn in Texas (May 2025)

Texas median pay: $37,260 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $30,320
Experienced (75th percentile): $44,240
Top earners (90th percentile): $52,160
Employed in Texas: 12,770
U.S. median (for comparison): $39,380 (May 2024)

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

Dallas–Fort Worth: $37,900 (3,000 employed)
San Antonio: $37,160 (1,100 employed)
El Paso: $33,820 (470 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Texas

Prices in Texas run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $37,260 median stretches to roughly $38,373 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Texas (2024–2034)

Texas is projected to grow emts employment +23.6%, faster than the +5.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,370 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Texas License and Certification Requirements

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic) certification — regulated by the Texas DSHS — Emergency Medical Services.

Complete an NREMT-approved EMT-Basic course (~160 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical training) at a Texas-approved EMS training program. Community colleges, fire academies, and EMS agencies all offer approved programs.
Pass the NREMT cognitive exam (computerized, 70–120 questions) and the NREMT psychomotor (skills) exam. NREMT certification is the national standard accepted by all states.
Apply to the Texas DSHS EMS Division for Texas EMT certification. Most employers require state certification (not just NREMT). Career progression: Advanced EMT (AEMT, ~250 additional hours) → Paramedic (~1,200+ additional hours, associate degree at most programs).

Official requirements: Texas DSHS — Emergency Medical Services →

Training in Texas

Texas has hundreds of EMS agencies, fire departments (many are combination fire-EMS), and private ambulance services (AMR, Gold Cross, ETMC). Rural Texas has significant EMT demand — many smaller counties struggle to staff volunteer and paid EMS services. EMT is a solid stepping stone toward Paramedic, which opens fire department and critical care careers in Texas.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Texas include:

Alvin Community College — Certificate / Associate
Amarillo College — Certificate / Associate
Angelina College — Certificate / Associate
Austin Community College District — Certificate / Associate

Where Emts Work in Texas

Real Texas EMS agencies that employ emts include:

Abernathy Emergency Medical Services — Abernathy
Air Evac Lifeteam — Abilene
Metrocare Services Limited Partnership — Abilene
Southwest Med Evac 3 — Abilene
Adrian Emergency Medical Services — Adrian
Ni Tram Ambulance Service Incorporated — Alamo

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 Texas?

The median wage for emts in Texas is $37,260 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $30,320, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $52,160. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic) certification, overseen by the Texas DSHS — Emergency Medical Services. Complete an NREMT-approved EMT-Basic course (~160 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical training) at a Texas-approved EMS training program. Community colleges, fire academies, and EMS agencies all offer approved programs.

Is being an EMT a good career in Texas?

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

Which Texas metros pay emts the most?

Among Texas metro areas, Dallas–Fort Worth leads at $37,900, followed by San Antonio ($37,160), El Paso ($33,820). 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 Texas?

Real Texas options include Alvin Community College, Amarillo College, Angelina College. Most emts start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is EMT a growing career in Texas?

Texas projects emts employment to change +23.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,370 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), Texas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2042. Licensing summary compiled from the Texas DSHS — Emergency Medical Services (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 Texas wages · Texas 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.