Public safety telecommunicators
SOC Code: 43-5031Also known as:
911 Dispatcher, 911 Emergency Dispatcher, 911 Emergency Services Dispatcher, 911 Operator, 911 Telecommunicator
Median Annual Salary
$50,730
+3.5% growth (2024-2034)
11K
Openings/Year
105K
Current Jobs
What Public safety telecommunicators Do
Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.
💰 Salary
$50,730
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.5%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
11K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
105,200
Projected Employment (2034)
108,900
Related Careers
Emergency medical technicians
$41,340 •
+5.1% growth
Paramedics
$58,410 •
+5.0% growth
First-line supervisors of security workers
$58,610 •
+2.7% growth
Switchboard operators, including answering service
$38,370 •
-26.3% growth
Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance
$48,880 •
-0.9% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Critical Thinking
Coordination
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
- Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
- Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
- Receive incoming telephone or alarm system calls regarding emergency and non-emergency police and fire service, emergency ambulance service, information, and after-hours calls for departments within a city.
- Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
- Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
- Monitor various radio frequencies, such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense, to stay apprised of developing situations.
- Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.
- Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.
- Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do public safety telecommunicators make?
The median annual salary for public safety telecommunicators is $50,730.
What education do public safety telecommunicators need?
Most public safety telecommunicators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming public safety telecommunicators a good career choice?
Public safety telecommunicators is projected to see +3.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 10,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for public safety telecommunicators?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to public safety telecommunicators?
Public safety telecommunicators may also be known as: 911 Dispatcher, 911 Emergency Dispatcher, 911 Emergency Services Dispatcher, 911 Operator, 911 Telecommunicator, Alarm Operator, Ambulance Dispatcher, Call Person, Call Taker, Communications Dispatcher, Communications Officer, Communications Operator, Communications Specialist, Dispatch Operator, Dispatch Specialist, Dispatch Technician (Dispatch Tech), Emergency Communications Dispatcher, Emergency Communications Officer (ECO), Emergency Communications Operator (ECO), Emergency Dispatcher.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.