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

Public safety

Texas employs 8,410 paramedics, with a statewide median of $57,500 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Texas licensing picture, and where to train.

What Paramedics Earn in Texas (May 2025)

Texas median pay: $57,500 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $41,030
Experienced (75th percentile): $63,510
Top earners (90th percentile): $77,700
Employed in Texas: 8,410
U.S. median (for comparison): $58,410 (May 2024)

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

Austin: $67,290 (890 employed)
Dallas–Fort Worth: $60,300 (1,570 employed)
Houston: $60,130 (1,980 employed)
San Antonio: $54,700 (490 employed)
El Paso: $54,260 (200 employed)
McAllen: $47,670 (190 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Texas

Prices in Texas run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $57,500 median stretches to roughly $59,217 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Texas (2024–2034)

Texas is projected to grow paramedics employment +21.7%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 580 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Texas License and Certification Requirements

EMT-Paramedic certification / Licensed Paramedic — regulated by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) — EMS.

Start with EMT-Basic certification (a prerequisite, roughly one semester).
Complete a DSHS-approved paramedic program of about 1,200 hours (often 12–18 months at a community college).
Pass the NREMT exam and the Texas/FBI fingerprint check. Texas certifies for 4-year cycles (72 CE hours to renew). The 'Licensed Paramedic' tier requires an associate or bachelor's degree.

Official requirements: Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) — EMS →

Training in Texas

Texas fire departments and private EMS services (including Austin-Travis County EMS, Houston Fire, MedStar in Fort Worth) hire paramedics continuously, and many fire careers in Texas effectively require paramedic certification — it's a strong door-opener.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Texas include:

Alvin Community College — Certificate / Associate
Amarillo College — Certificate / Associate
Angelina College — Certificate / Associate
Austin Community College District — Certificate / Associate

Where Paramedics Work in Texas

Real Texas EMS agencies that employ paramedics include:

Abernathy Emergency Medical Services — Abernathy
Air Evac Lifeteam — Abilene
Metrocare Services Limited Partnership — Abilene
Southwest Med Evac 3 — Abilene
Adrian Emergency Medical Services — Adrian
Ni Tram Ambulance Service Incorporated — Alamo

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 Texas?

The median wage for paramedics in Texas is $57,500 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $41,030, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,700. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

EMT-Paramedic certification / Licensed Paramedic, overseen by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) — EMS. Start with EMT-Basic certification (a prerequisite, roughly one semester).

Is being a Paramedic a good career in Texas?

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

Which Texas metros pay paramedics the most?

Among Texas metro areas, Austin leads at $67,290, followed by Dallas–Fort Worth ($60,300), Houston ($60,130). 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 Texas?

Real Texas options include Alvin Community College, Amarillo College, Angelina College. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Paramedic a growing career in Texas?

Texas projects paramedics employment to change +21.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 580 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), Texas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2043. Licensing summary compiled from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) — 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 Texas wages · Texas 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.