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

Public safety

Minnesota employs 1,690 paramedics, with a statewide median of $76,300 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Minnesota licensing picture, and where to train.

What Paramedics Earn in Minnesota (May 2025)

Minnesota median pay: $76,300 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $60,320
Experienced (75th percentile): $82,040
Top earners (90th percentile): $93,910
Employed in Minnesota: 1,690
U.S. median (for comparison): $58,410 (May 2024)

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

Minneapolis: $77,430 (820 employed)
Fargo: $62,320 (100 employed)
Duluth: $60,010 (60 employed)
Sioux Falls: $50,550 (80 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Minnesota

Prices in Minnesota run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $76,300 median stretches to roughly $77,383 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Minnesota (2024–2034)

Minnesota is projected to grow paramedics employment +10.0%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 90 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Minnesota License and Certification Requirements

Paramedic certification — regulated by the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (formerly EMSRB).

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 Minnesota paramedic certification.

Official requirements: Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (formerly EMSRB) →

Training in Minnesota

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Minnesota include:

Anoka Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Central Lakes College-Brainerd — Certificate
Century College — Certificate / Associate
Concordia University-Saint Paul — Associate

Where Paramedics Work in Minnesota

Real Minnesota EMS agencies that employ paramedics include:

Adams Area Ambulance — Adams
North Memorial Medical Transportation - Aitkin — Aitkin
North Ambulance Douglas County — Alexandria
Altura Ambulance Service — Altura
Allina Medical Transportation - Annandale — Annandale
Allina Medical Transportation - Anoka — Anoka

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 Minnesota?

The median wage for paramedics in Minnesota is $76,300 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $60,320, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $93,910. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Paramedic certification, overseen by the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (formerly EMSRB). First earn your EMT certification.

Is being a Paramedic a good career in Minnesota?

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

Which Minnesota metros pay paramedics the most?

Among Minnesota metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $77,430, followed by Fargo ($62,320), Duluth ($60,010). 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 Minnesota?

Real Minnesota options include Anoka Technical College, Central Lakes College-Brainerd, Century College. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Paramedic a growing career in Minnesota?

Minnesota projects paramedics employment to change +10.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 90 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), Minnesota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2043. Licensing summary compiled from the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (formerly EMSRB) (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 Minnesota wages · Minnesota 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.