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

Public safety

Vermont employs 790 emts, with a statewide median of $45,600 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Vermont licensing picture, and where to train.

What Emts Earn in Vermont (May 2025)

Vermont median pay: $45,600 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $36,770
Experienced (75th percentile): $48,230
Top earners (90th percentile): $57,700
Employed in Vermont: 790
U.S. median (for comparison): $39,380 (May 2024)

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

Burlington: $48,230 (180 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Vermont

Prices in Vermont run about 2% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $45,600 median stretches to roughly $46,531 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Vermont (2024–2034)

Vermont is projected to grow emts employment +4.3%, slower than the +5.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 70 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Vermont License and Certification Requirements

EMT license — regulated by the Vermont Dept. of Health — EMS.

Complete a Dept. of Health-approved EMT course including didactic, practical, and clinical requirements.
Pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams.
Apply for Vermont EMT licensure through the Dept. of Health and clear a background check.

Official requirements: Vermont Dept. of Health — EMS →

Training in Vermont

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Vermont include:

Champlain College — Associate
Vermont State University — Certificate / Associate

Where Emts Work in Vermont

Real Vermont EMS agencies that employ emts include:

Arlington Rescue Squad — Arlington
Town of Barre Emergency Medical Services — Barre
Barton Ambulance Squad Incorporated — Barton
Lefevre Ambulance Incorporated — Bellows Falls
Bennington Rescue Squad — Bennington
Benson First Response — Benson

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 Vermont?

The median wage for emts in Vermont is $45,600 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $36,770, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $57,700. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

EMT license, overseen by the Vermont Dept. of Health — EMS. Complete a Dept. of Health-approved EMT course including didactic, practical, and clinical requirements.

Is being an EMT a good career in Vermont?

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

Which Vermont metros pay emts the most?

Among Vermont metro areas, Burlington leads at $48,230. 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 Vermont?

Real Vermont options include Champlain College, Vermont State University. Most emts start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is EMT a growing career in Vermont?

Vermont projects emts employment to change +4.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 70 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), Vermont statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2042. Licensing summary compiled from the Vermont Dept. of Health — 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 Vermont wages · Vermont 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.