Paramedic in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Public safety

Arkansas employs 1,170 paramedics, with a statewide median of $50,310 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.

What Paramedics Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)

Arkansas median pay: $50,310 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $38,840
Experienced (75th percentile): $62,010
Top earners (90th percentile): $72,880
Employed in Arkansas: 1,170
U.S. median (for comparison): $58,410 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for paramedics in major Arkansas markets:

Memphis: $66,830 (810 employed)
Little Rock: $59,910 (250 employed)
Fayetteville: $56,200 (140 employed)
Fort Smith: $47,410 (80 employed)
Jonesboro: $43,660 (60 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Arkansas

Prices in Arkansas run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 86.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $50,310 median stretches to roughly $57,894 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)

Arkansas is projected to grow paramedics employment +12.1%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 60 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Arkansas License and Certification Requirements

Paramedic license — regulated by the Arkansas Dept. of Health — Section of EMS.

First earn your EMT certification.
Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program (1–2 years with field and hospital rotations).
Pass the NREMT-Paramedic exam and obtain Arkansas paramedic licensure through the Dept. of Health.

Official requirements: Arkansas Dept. of Health — Section of EMS →

Training in Arkansas

Paramedic is the pay/scope step up from EMT. Ambulance services, hospitals, and fire departments hire steadily.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arkansas include:

Arkansas Northeastern College — Certificate / Associate
Arkansas State University — Certificate / Associate
Arkansas State University Mid-South — Certificate / Associate
Arkansas State University-Beebe — Certificate / Associate

Where Paramedics Work in Arkansas

Real Arkansas EMS agencies that employ paramedics include:

Potlatch Corporation Ambulance — Arkansas City
Nucor - Yamato Steel Company — Armorel
Lifenet Incorporated - Ashdown — Ashdown
Pope County Emergency Medical Services Station 2 — Atkins
Southern Paramedic Service - Augusta — Augusta
Bald Knob Area Ambulance — Bald Knob

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: Calm, service-oriented people who can handle urgent, unpredictable work.

Think twice if: You need routine hours, low stress, or low physical demand.

Why it's resilient: Emergency response depends on physical presence, judgment under pressure, patient care, and local systems.

First Steps

Start with EMT training, then compare paramedic programs and local EMS employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do paramedics make in Arkansas?

The median wage for paramedics in Arkansas is $50,310 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,840, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $72,880. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Paramedic in Arkansas?

Paramedic license, overseen by the Arkansas Dept. of Health — Section of EMS. First earn your EMT certification.

Is being a Paramedic a good career in Arkansas?

Emergency response depends on physical presence, judgment under pressure, patient care, and local systems.

Which Arkansas metros pay paramedics the most?

Among Arkansas metro areas, Memphis leads at $66,830, followed by Little Rock ($59,910), Fayetteville ($56,200). 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 a Paramedic in Arkansas?

Real Arkansas options include Arkansas Northeastern College, Arkansas State University, Arkansas State University Mid-South. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Paramedic a growing career in Arkansas?

Arkansas projects paramedics employment to change +12.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 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), Arkansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2043. Licensing summary compiled from the Arkansas Dept. of Health — Section 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 Arkansas wages · Arkansas 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.