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

Public safety

Wisconsin employs 1,990 paramedics, with a statewide median of $59,710 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Wisconsin licensing picture, and where to train.

What Paramedics Earn in Wisconsin (May 2025)

Wisconsin median pay: $59,710 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $46,530
Experienced (75th percentile): $71,030
Top earners (90th percentile): $75,760
Employed in Wisconsin: 1,990
U.S. median (for comparison): $58,410 (May 2024)

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

Minneapolis: $77,430 (820 employed)
Green Bay: $64,810 (60 employed)
Milwaukee: $61,430 (670 employed)
Duluth: $60,010 (60 employed)
Madison: $59,440 (220 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Wisconsin

Prices in Wisconsin run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $59,710 median stretches to roughly $63,454 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Wisconsin (2024–2034)

Wisconsin is projected to grow paramedics employment +3.1%, slower than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 90 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Wisconsin License and Certification Requirements

Paramedic license — regulated by the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services (DHS) — 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 Wisconsin paramedic licensure through DHS.

Official requirements: Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services (DHS) — EMS →

Training in Wisconsin

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Wisconsin include:

Bellin College — Certificate
Blackhawk Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Chippewa Valley Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Fox Valley Technical College — Certificate / Associate

Where Paramedics Work in Wisconsin

Real Wisconsin EMS agencies that employ paramedics include:

Albany Area Emergency Medical Services — Albany
Gold Cross Ambulance Service Incorporated - Eau Claire Base — Altoona
Municipal Ambulance Service Doing Business As Amery Area Emergency Medical Services — Amery
Arcadia Ambulance Service — Arcadia
Argyle Emergency Medical Services — Argyle
Arlington Emergency Medical Services — Arlington

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 Wisconsin?

The median wage for paramedics in Wisconsin is $59,710 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $46,530, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $75,760. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Paramedic license, overseen by the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services (DHS) — EMS. First earn your EMT license.

Is being a Paramedic a good career in Wisconsin?

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

Which Wisconsin metros pay paramedics the most?

Among Wisconsin metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $77,430, followed by Green Bay ($64,810), Milwaukee ($61,430). 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 Wisconsin?

Real Wisconsin options include Bellin College, Blackhawk Technical College, Chippewa Valley Technical College. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Paramedic a growing career in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin projects paramedics employment to change +3.1% 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), Wisconsin statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2043. Licensing summary compiled from the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services (DHS) — 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 Wisconsin wages · Wisconsin 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.