Paramedic in New Jersey: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Public safety
New Jersey employs 540 paramedics, with a statewide median of $86,630 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Jersey licensing picture, and where to train.
What Paramedics Earn in New Jersey (May 2025)
- New Jersey median pay
- $86,630 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $76,260
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $95,650
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $99,420
- Employed in New Jersey
- 540
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $58,410 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for paramedics in major New Jersey markets:
- New York–Newark
- $79,550 (3,850 employed)
- Philadelphia
- $68,640 (1,760 employed)
- Allentown–Bethlehem
- $64,730 (300 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Jersey
Prices in New Jersey run about 9% above the national average (cost-of-living index 108.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $86,630 median is worth closer to $79,623 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New Jersey (2024–2034)
New Jersey is projected to grow paramedics employment +7.9%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 30 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Jersey License and Certification Requirements
Paramedic (EMT-P) certification — regulated by the New Jersey Department of Health — Office of Emergency Medical Services.
- Complete NJ-approved EMT-Basic training first (a prerequisite; roughly one semester), and pass the NREMT EMT exam to get your NJ EMT card.
- Complete a NJ Office of EMS-approved Paramedic training program (~1,200 hours, typically 12–18 months at a community college or hospital program).
- Pass the NREMT Paramedic exam, then apply for NJ Paramedic certification through the Office of EMS. Renew every 3 years with continuing education requirements.
Official requirements: New Jersey Department of Health — Office of Emergency Medical Services →
Training in New Jersey
Paramedic programs in NJ run at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson (New Brunswick), Raritan Valley Community College, and several hospital-based programs. NJ's ALS (Advanced Life Support) system is extensive — most EMS calls in the state are ALS-level, making paramedic the functional standard. MONOC (now RWJ Barnabas EMS) and regional hospital-based EMS agencies are the primary employers.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Jersey include:
- American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education — Certificate
- American Institute-Cherry Hill — Certificate
- American Institute-Clifton — Certificate
- American Institute-Somerset — Certificate
Where Paramedics Work in New Jersey
Real New Jersey EMS agencies that employ paramedics include:
- South Aberdeen Emergency Medical Services — Aberdeen
- Absecon Emergency Services — Absecon
- Senior Transportation — Absecon
- Allendale Ambulance Corps — Allendale
- Allentown First Aid Squad — Allentown
- Alloway Township Ambulance Corporation — Alloway
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 New Jersey?
The median wage for paramedics in New Jersey is $86,630 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $76,260, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $99,420. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Paramedic in New Jersey?
Paramedic (EMT-P) certification, overseen by the New Jersey Department of Health — Office of Emergency Medical Services. Complete NJ-approved EMT-Basic training first (a prerequisite; roughly one semester), and pass the NREMT EMT exam to get your NJ EMT card.
Is being a Paramedic a good career in New Jersey?
Emergency response depends on physical presence, judgment under pressure, patient care, and local systems.
Which New Jersey metros pay paramedics the most?
Among New Jersey metro areas, New York–Newark leads at $79,550, followed by Philadelphia ($68,640), Allentown–Bethlehem ($64,730). 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 New Jersey?
Real New Jersey options include American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education, American Institute-Cherry Hill, American Institute-Clifton. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Paramedic a growing career in New Jersey?
New Jersey projects paramedics employment to change +7.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 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), New Jersey statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2043. Licensing summary compiled from the New Jersey Department of Health — Office of Emergency Medical Services (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 New Jersey wages · New Jersey 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.