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

Public safety

Virginia employs 1,960 paramedics, with a statewide median of $60,480 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Paramedics Earn in Virginia (May 2025)

Virginia median pay: $60,480 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $42,520
Experienced (75th percentile): $67,030
Top earners (90th percentile): $77,280
Employed in Virginia: 1,960
U.S. median (for comparison): $58,410 (May 2024)

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

Washington DC metro: $75,190 (840 employed)
Virginia Beach–Norfolk: $64,120 (400 employed)
Charlottesville: $63,870 (100 employed)
Richmond: $63,750
Roanoke: $59,020 (100 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Virginia

Prices in Virginia run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 101.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $60,480 median is worth closer to $59,822 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Virginia (2024–2034)

Virginia is projected to grow paramedics employment +7.9%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 90 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Virginia License and Certification Requirements

Paramedic (EMS Provider) certification — regulated by the Virginia Office of EMS (OEMS) — Department of Health.

Complete Virginia-approved EMT-Basic training first (a prerequisite), pass the NREMT EMT exam, and get your Virginia EMT card.
Complete a OEMS-approved Paramedic training program (~1,200 hours, typically 12–18 months at a community college or hospital-based program); must be at least 18.
Pass the NREMT Paramedic cognitive and psychomotor exams, then apply for Virginia Paramedic certification through OEMS. Recertify every 3 years with required continuing education.

Official requirements: Virginia Office of EMS (OEMS) — Department of Health →

Training in Virginia

Paramedic programs run at Northern Virginia Community College, Tidewater Community College, Virginia Western Community College, and Germanna Community College. Northern Virginia's fire departments (Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria) and Hampton Roads' Naval Station area create high paramedic demand. Many Virginia fire departments require or strongly prefer paramedic certification — fire/medic combination roles are common throughout the state.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Virginia include:

American National University — Associate
Blue Ridge Community College — Certificate / Associate
Bon Secours St Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging — Certificate / Associate
Brightpoint Community College — Certificate / Associate

Where Paramedics Work in Virginia

Real Virginia EMS agencies that employ paramedics include:

Abingdon Ambulance Service — Abingdon
Virginia State Police - Medflight II — Abingdon
Washington County Life Saving Crew Incorporated — Abingdon
Eastern Shore Ambulance Service — Accomac
Altavista Emergency Medical Services — Altavista
Amelia Ambulance Service — Amelia Court House

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 Virginia?

The median wage for paramedics in Virginia is $60,480 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $42,520, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,280. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Paramedic (EMS Provider) certification, overseen by the Virginia Office of EMS (OEMS) — Department of Health. Complete Virginia-approved EMT-Basic training first (a prerequisite), pass the NREMT EMT exam, and get your Virginia EMT card.

Is being a Paramedic a good career in Virginia?

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

Which Virginia metros pay paramedics the most?

Among Virginia metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $75,190, followed by Virginia Beach–Norfolk ($64,120), Charlottesville ($63,870). 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 Virginia?

Real Virginia options include American National University, Blue Ridge Community College, Bon Secours St Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Paramedic a growing career in Virginia?

Virginia projects paramedics employment to change +7.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 90 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), Virginia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2043. Licensing summary compiled from the Virginia Office of EMS (OEMS) — Department of Health (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 Virginia wages · Virginia 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.