Paramedic in Montana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Public safety
Montana employs 300 paramedics, with a statewide median of $50,890 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Montana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Paramedics Earn in Montana (May 2025)
- Montana median pay
- $50,890 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $35,590
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $59,110
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $70,190
- Employed in Montana
- 300
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $58,410 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for paramedics in major Montana markets:
- Billings
- $52,600 (50 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Montana
Prices in Montana run about 5% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $50,890 median stretches to roughly $53,795 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Montana (2024–2034)
Montana is projected to grow paramedics employment +12.1%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 20 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Montana License and Certification Requirements
Paramedic license — regulated by the Montana DPHHS — EMS & Trauma Systems.
- First earn your EMT license.
- Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program (1–2 years with field and hospital rotations).
- Pass the NREMT-Paramedic exam and obtain Montana paramedic licensure through DPHHS.
Official requirements: Montana DPHHS — EMS & Trauma Systems →
Training in Montana
Paramedic is the pay/scope step up from EMT. Ambulance services, hospitals, and fire departments hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Montana include:
- Flathead Valley Community College — Associate
- Great Falls College Montana State University — Certificate / Associate
- Highlands College of Montana Tech — Associate
- Montana State University Billings — Certificate / Associate
Where Paramedics Work in Montana
Real Montana EMS agencies that employ paramedics include:
- Arlee Ambulance Service — Arlee
- Advanced Air Network — Belgrade
- Sweet Grass County Ambulance Service — Big Timber
- Bigfork Volunteer Ambulance — Bigfork
- Advanced Air Network — Billings
- American Medical Response Station 1 - Headquarters — Billings
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 Montana?
The median wage for paramedics in Montana is $50,890 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,590, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $70,190. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Paramedic in Montana?
Paramedic license, overseen by the Montana DPHHS — EMS & Trauma Systems. First earn your EMT license.
Is being a Paramedic a good career in Montana?
Emergency response depends on physical presence, judgment under pressure, patient care, and local systems.
Which Montana metros pay paramedics the most?
Among Montana metro areas, Billings leads at $52,600. 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 Montana?
Real Montana options include Flathead Valley Community College, Great Falls College Montana State University, Highlands College of Montana Tech. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Paramedic a growing career in Montana?
Montana projects paramedics employment to change +12.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 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), Montana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2043. Licensing summary compiled from the Montana DPHHS — 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 Montana wages · Montana 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.