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911 Call Taker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Mesa

Public Safety Telecommunicator I

Mesa, AZ

$64K - $84K/yr

This recruitment will be used to fill vacancies in the 911 Call-Taker, Police Dispatching, and Fire Dispatching assignments. The first review of all applications will be on Monday, July 27, 2026. A ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Public Safety Telecommunicator I

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$64K - $84K/yr

This recruitment will be used to fill vacancies in the 911 Call-Taker, Police Dispatching, and Fire Dispatching assignments. The first review of all applications will be on Monday, July 27, 2026. A ...

City of Fairbanks

FECC Full-time Call Taker

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

$28 - $44.54/hr

Job Summary This position is an emergency services call taker in a primary public safety answering ... Operates enhanced 911 phone system with multi-screen controls, answers emergency and non-emergency ...

City of Kingman, AZ

Public Safety Call Taker

Kingman, AZ · On-site

$20.79 - $29.10/hr

Kingman Fire Department Division: 911 Dispatch Center Opening Date: 02/10/2026 Typical Hiring ... About The Role Learn more about our We're looking for a Public Safety Call Taker to join the ...

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911 Call Taker information

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How much do 911 call taker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for 911 call taker in the United States is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 911 call taker?

911 Call Takers are emergency communications professionals who answer emergency and non-emergency calls from the public. They gather crucial information, assess the situation, and dispatch appropriate emergency services such as police, fire, or medical assistance. Their role is vital in ensuring help is sent quickly and efficiently, and they often provide instructions to callers before emergency responders arrive. 911 Call Takers must remain calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and handle stressful situations with professionalism.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a 911 call taker?

To thrive as a 911 Call Taker, you need excellent listening, multitasking, and decision-making skills, typically supported by a high school diploma and sometimes emergency communications certification. Familiarity with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and emergency protocols is essential. Strong emotional resilience, clear communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure fast, accurate information relay and effective support during emergencies, directly impacting public safety and emergency response outcomes.

What challenges do 911 call takers face, and how are they supported in handling stressful situations?

911 Call Takers often encounter high-pressure situations, such as handling multiple emergencies simultaneously or dealing with emotionally charged callers. Maintaining composure and clear communication is crucial. Most emergency call centers provide extensive training, peer support programs, and access to mental health resources to help call takers manage stress and prevent burnout. Regular debriefings and teamwork also play a vital role in supporting staff and ensuring effective response.

What is the difference between 911 Call Taker vs Emergency Dispatcher?

Aspect911 Call TakerEmergency Dispatcher
ResponsibilitiesAnswering emergency calls, gathering information, relaying to respondersCoordinating response units, dispatching emergency services, managing multiple calls
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, communication skills, often certificationHigh school diploma, communication skills, often certification
Work EnvironmentEmergency call centers, indoors, high-pressureEmergency dispatch centers, indoors, high-pressure
Industry UsagePublic safety, emergency servicesPublic safety, emergency services

While both roles are vital in emergency response, a 911 Call Taker primarily answers calls and gathers information, whereas an Emergency Dispatcher actively coordinates and dispatches responders. Both positions require similar credentials and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ in the communication and response coordination process.

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911 Call Taker jobs near you
Infographic showing various 911 Call Taker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,197 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Call Taker - EMS Communications

CATALDO AMBULANCE BUSINESS TRUST

Malden, MA • On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position Summary / General Scope:

The Call Taker is an entry level position in the Emergency Medical Dispatch and Communications Department. The Call Taker focuses on receiving and processing all non-emergency and emergency medical calls, rapidly gathering relevant information during call screening process, and providing pre-arrival instructions to a caller when applicable to assist in dispatching the appropriate level of EMS responders.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide professional and courteous response while receiving incoming calls from the public, facility staff or other public safety entities requesting emergency and non-emergency assistance.
  • Determine the nature, severity and location of the medical emergency through structured questioning and obtain necessary information to determine the appropriate response and priority level.
  • Answer all incoming lines within the appropriate and required time periods and respond within the designated time frame.
  • Assist callers that have been placed on hold within the designated time period.
  • Utilize and maintain competency with CAD systems, properly documenting and maintaining information at all times.
  • Maintains accurate, real-time records of calls and incident times.
  • Communicate with other public safety agencies, hospitals, public works departments, support services and any other entity as needed to request or forward necessary information.
  • Ensure all PCRs are synced as required prior to crew departure.
  • Accurately completes repetitive patient and other non-emergent bookings.
  • Multitask data entry 30-40 words per minute with active listening during call processing.
  • Maintains knowledge of and complies with all company policies, procedures, and guidelines at all times.
  • Must maintain a reliable attendance record
  • Completes other duties as requested and assigned

Education:

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.

This is an entry-level role which includes an extensive training program. During the initial training the following required certifications will be completed as a part of the program and must be maintained following initial program completion.

Licensure, Certification, Registration:

  • EMD Certification
  • CPR Certification
  • 911 Certification
  • Telecommunicator Certification

* All may be obtained internally, required within the initial orientation period upon hire.

Experience:

  • 1 Year related experience in a customer service field/environment
  • 1 Year related experience utilizing computer systems, including web-based applications and some Microsoft Office applications preferred.
  • Preferred telecommunication experience and prior medical terminology training.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Excellent verbal communication. Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
  • Ability to speak clearly and concisely, providing detailed information under stressful circumstances.
  • Ability to record, transmit and report information accurately.
  • Analytical skills to gather and interpret data
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion at all times
  • Knowledge of medical terminology preferred, not required.
  • Ability to work in fast-paced environment and multi-task
  • Ability to work well independently and within a team setting

Requirements:

  • Day, Evening, Overnight, Weekends and Holidays may be required.
  • Ability to meet the essential duties and physical, mental and sensory requirements of the position at all times.
  • Comply with UDS drug screening at any and all times
  • Satisfactory background check and MA CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information), verification required annually.

Physical, Mental and Sensory Requirements

  • Ability to hear various frequencies, distinguish sounds and work in environment with consistent background noise.
  • Consistent close eye work and clear vision for screens, color/depth perception, and peripheral vision for data analysis and monitoring.
  • Clear, concise verbal communication, potentially shouting or speaking loudly over noise, and active listening.
  • Fine finger dexterity, repetitive wrist motion regarding computers and dispatch terminal work for prolonged time periods. (fingering, pushing, pulling).
  • Ability to sit, stand and alternate positions for extended periods of time.
  • Exerting light force up to 10-25 lbs. for tasks like lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling.
  • Ability to work in environment with constant phone/radio calls, interruptions, urgent/emergency situations, and emotionally charged callers.
  • Strong multitasking, problem-solving, attention to detail, memory, and emotional stability in stressful environments