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

Public safety

Nebraska employs 490 paramedics, with a statewide median of $56,230 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nebraska licensing picture, and where to train.

What Paramedics Earn in Nebraska (May 2025)

Nebraska median pay: $56,230 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $45,240
Experienced (75th percentile): $66,700
Top earners (90th percentile): $76,710
Employed in Nebraska: 490
U.S. median (for comparison): $58,410 (May 2024)

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

Lincoln: $63,900 (60 employed)
Omaha: $56,130 (210 employed)
Sioux City: $53,310 (50 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Nebraska

Prices in Nebraska run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $56,230 median stretches to roughly $62,408 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Nebraska (2024–2034)

Nebraska is projected to grow paramedics employment +5.8%, 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.

Nebraska License and Certification Requirements

Paramedic license — regulated by the Nebraska DHHS — Office of EMS.

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 Nebraska paramedic licensure through DHHS.

Official requirements: Nebraska DHHS — Office of EMS →

Training in Nebraska

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nebraska include:

CHI Health School of Radiologic Technology — Associate
Central Community College — Certificate / Associate
Clarkson College — Certificate / Associate
Creighton University — Associate

Where Paramedics Work in Nebraska

Real Nebraska EMS agencies that employ paramedics include:

Adams Rescue Squad — Adams
Brown County Ambulance Association — Ainsworth
Boone County Ambulance Service — Albion
Alvo Rescue Squad — Alvo
Arapahoe Volunteer Ambulance — Arapahoe
Ashland Emergency Services — Ashland

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 Nebraska?

The median wage for paramedics in Nebraska is $56,230 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,240, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $76,710. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Paramedic license, overseen by the Nebraska DHHS — Office of EMS. First earn your EMT license.

Is being a Paramedic a good career in Nebraska?

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

Which Nebraska metros pay paramedics the most?

Among Nebraska metro areas, Lincoln leads at $63,900, followed by Omaha ($56,130), Sioux City ($53,310). 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 Nebraska?

Real Nebraska options include CHI Health School of Radiologic Technology, Central Community College, Clarkson College. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Paramedic a growing career in Nebraska?

Nebraska projects paramedics employment to change +5.8% 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), Nebraska statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2043. Licensing summary compiled from the Nebraska DHHS — Office 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 Nebraska wages · Nebraska 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.