Public Safety Telecommunicators
Public safety telecommunicators operate communication systems to receive emergency calls at 9-1-1 centers and emergency operations facilities. They take information about crimes, fires, medical emergencies, and other urgent situations, then relay details to appropriate responders. The role requires quick decision-making and accurate information handling under pressure.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against public safety telecommunicators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves answering incoming calls and radio communications, documenting incident details in computer systems, and dispatching emergency personnel to appropriate locations. Telecommunicators work rotating shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Tasks include clarifying caller information, prioritizing requests, monitoring radio traffic, and maintaining records of all emergency communications throughout their shift.
Who this work suits
Holland code CRS. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're suited to this work if you prefer structured procedures and factual problem-solving over abstract tasks. You handle high-pressure situations calmly, pay close attention to detail, and have strong communication skills—traits that align well with the conventional and realistic interests that drive success in this role.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Public Safety Dispatcher · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Wainwright, Alaska · $46060–$74173
- Public Safety Dispatcher · National Park Service · Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado · $40736–$59031
- Public Safety Telecommunicator (Office Automation) · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Stewart, Georgia · $50460–$65599
- Public Safety Telecommunicator (Office Automation) · United States Army Installation Management Command · Dugway Proving Ground, Utah · $40736–$65599
- Public Safety Telecommunicator (Office Automation) · United States Army Installation Management Command · Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington · $56715–$73731
- PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER · U.S. Marine Corps · San Diego, California · $57641–$74935
- Public Safety Telecommunicator (Office Automation) · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Huachuca, Arizona · $51417–$66843
- Public Safety Dispatcher · National Park Service · Denali Park, Alaska · $51344–$82139
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $64,250 | $80,120 | $96,660 | 8,520 |
| Washington | $66,500 | $78,850 | $84,640 | 1,980 |
| Oregon | $61,140 | $71,980 | $83,390 | 1,110 |
| Alaska | $57,900 | $66,660 | $83,530 | 390 |
| Minnesota | $62,730 | $66,550 | $77,960 | 1,460 |
| Colorado | $57,710 | $63,520 | $75,790 | 1,800 |
| Connecticut | $57,700 | $62,410 | $72,360 | 1,820 |
| Massachusetts | $52,510 | $61,720 | $68,090 | 2,790 |
| New York | $49,710 | $61,450 | $66,960 | 5,470 |
| Illinois | $48,620 | $61,260 | $80,470 | 4,350 |
| Nevada | $45,170 | $60,040 | $71,900 | 1,010 |
| Wisconsin | $51,360 | $60,000 | $63,910 | 1,820 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) — Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials
- Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) — Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials
- Emergency Telecommunicator Certification (ETC) — International Academies of Emergency Dispatch
- Emergency Telecommunicator Instructor Certification — International Academies of Emergency Dispatch
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against public safety telecommunicators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-5031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.