Paramedic in Rhode Island: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Public safety

Rhode Island employs 160 paramedics, with a statewide median of $63,550 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Rhode Island licensing picture, and where to train.

What Paramedics Earn in Rhode Island (May 2025)

Rhode Island median pay: $63,550 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $50,960
Experienced (75th percentile): $74,010
Top earners (90th percentile): $81,490
Employed in Rhode Island: 160
U.S. median (for comparison): $58,410 (May 2024)

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

Providence: $66,370 (380 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Rhode Island

Prices in Rhode Island run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,550 median is worth closer to $62,121 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Rhode Island (2024–2034)

Rhode Island is projected to grow paramedics employment +0.6%, slower than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 10 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Rhode Island License and Certification Requirements

Paramedic (EMT-Paramedic) license — regulated by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Center for 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 Rhode Island paramedic licensure through DOH.

Official requirements: Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Center for EMS →

Training in Rhode Island

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Rhode Island include:

Community College of Rhode Island — Certificate / Associate
New England Institute of Technology — Associate
Roger Williams University — Certificate

Where Paramedics Work in Rhode Island

Real Rhode Island EMS agencies that employ paramedics include:

Lincoln Rescue 2 — Albion
Bristol Rescue Squad — Bristol
Paramedic Systems Incorporated — Bristol
Charlestown Ambulance Rescue Service — Charlestown
Rhode Island (Level 1) Disaster Medical Assistance Team — Coventry
Cumberland Rescue Service 1 — Cumberland

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 Rhode Island?

The median wage for paramedics in Rhode Island is $63,550 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,960, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $81,490. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Paramedic (EMT-Paramedic) license, overseen by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Center for EMS. First earn your EMT license.

Is being a Paramedic a good career in Rhode Island?

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

Which Rhode Island metros pay paramedics the most?

Among Rhode Island metro areas, Providence leads at $66,370. 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 Rhode Island?

Real Rhode Island options include Community College of Rhode Island, New England Institute of Technology, Roger Williams University. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Paramedic a growing career in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island projects paramedics employment to change +0.6% 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), Rhode Island statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2043. Licensing summary compiled from the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Center for 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 Rhode Island wages · Rhode Island 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.