Paramedic in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Public safety

North Dakota employs 220 paramedics, with a statewide median of $62,320 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.

What Paramedics Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)

North Dakota median pay: $62,320 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $48,270
Experienced (75th percentile): $65,330
Top earners (90th percentile): $75,440
Employed in North Dakota: 220
U.S. median (for comparison): $58,410 (May 2024)

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

Fargo: $62,320 (100 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota

Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,320 median stretches to roughly $70,022 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)

North Dakota is projected to grow paramedics employment +10.0%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 10 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

North Dakota License and Certification Requirements

Paramedic license — regulated by the North Dakota Health & Human Services — Division 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 North Dakota paramedic licensure through HHS.

Official requirements: North Dakota Health & Human Services — Division of EMS →

Training in North Dakota

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Dakota include:

Bismarck State College — Certificate / Associate
Dakota College at Bottineau — Certificate / Associate
North Dakota State College of Science — Certificate / Associate
Rasmussen University-North Dakota — Associate

Where Paramedics Work in North Dakota

Real North Dakota EMS agencies that employ paramedics include:

Almont Ambulance Service — Almont
Aneta Ambulance Service — Aneta
Ashley Ambulance Service — Ashley
Community Ambulance Service Incorporated — Beach
Belcourt Ambulance Service — Belcourt
Belfield Ambulance Service Incorporated — Belfield

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 North Dakota?

The median wage for paramedics in North Dakota is $62,320 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,270, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $75,440. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Paramedic license, overseen by the North Dakota Health & Human Services — Division of EMS. First earn your EMT license.

Is being a Paramedic a good career in North Dakota?

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

Which North Dakota metros pay paramedics the most?

Among North Dakota metro areas, Fargo leads at $62,320. 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 North Dakota?

Real North Dakota options include Bismarck State College, Dakota College at Bottineau, North Dakota State College of Science. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Paramedic a growing career in North Dakota?

North Dakota projects paramedics employment to change +10.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10 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), North Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2043. Licensing summary compiled from the North Dakota Health & Human Services — Division 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 North Dakota wages · North Dakota 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.