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911 Communications Operator Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

911 Communications Operator information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$10

$22

$42

How much do 911 communications operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for 911 communications operator in Baton Rouge, LA is $22.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 911 communications operator?

911 Communications Operators, also known as emergency dispatchers, are professionals responsible for receiving emergency calls and dispatching the appropriate emergency services such as police, fire, or medical assistance. They are trained to quickly assess situations, provide instructions to callers, and coordinate communication between first responders and the public. Their work is crucial for ensuring swift and effective responses to emergencies, often serving as the critical first link in the emergency response chain.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 911 communications operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 911 Communications Operator, you need strong multitasking abilities, quick decision-making skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some agencies requiring additional certifications. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and emergency response protocols is typically necessary. Exceptional listening skills, calmness under pressure, and clear communication set top operators apart in this high-stress environment. These competencies ensure rapid, accurate responses to emergencies, directly impacting public safety and effective coordination with first responders.

What are some common challenges faced by 911 communications operators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

911 Communications Operators frequently encounter high-pressure situations, such as handling life-threatening emergencies and managing multiple calls simultaneously. New hires may find it challenging to remain calm under stress and to quickly prioritize tasks. Preparation includes developing strong multitasking and communication skills, familiarizing oneself with dispatch protocols, and engaging in scenario-based training exercises. Support from experienced colleagues and ongoing training help operators build resilience and confidence in the role.

What is the difference between 911 Communications Operator vs Emergency Dispatcher?

Aspect911 Communications OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, dispatcher certification often preferredHigh school diploma, dispatcher certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentEmergency call centers, police, fire, EMS agenciesEmergency call centers, police, fire, EMS agencies
Job ResponsibilitiesAnswer emergency calls, relay information, coordinate responseAnswer emergency calls, coordinate response, sometimes handle non-emergency calls
Industry UsageCommonly used term for the roleOften used interchangeably, but can imply broader dispatch duties

Both roles involve answering emergency calls and coordinating responses within emergency services. While the terms are often used interchangeably, '911 Communications Operator' specifically emphasizes handling 911 calls, whereas 'Emergency Dispatcher' may include broader dispatch responsibilities across various emergency services.

How much is the salary of a 911 Communications Operator?

The average salary for a 911 Communications Operator typically ranges from $35,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and agency size. Many operators work in a 24-hour shift environment and may receive additional benefits such as overtime pay and certifications.

What qualifications do you need to be a 911 Communications Operator?

To become a 911 Communications Operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong communication and multitasking skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Some agencies may require certification in emergency dispatch or related training, and proficiency with radio and computer systems is often necessary.

What are popular job titles related to 911 Communications Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA?

For 911 Communications Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 911 Communications Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for 911 Communications Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

Infographic showing various 911 Communications Operator job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,553 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER 3

State of Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$3.4K - $6.1K/mo

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


State Of Louisiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 50 rated states


Job description

Salary : $3,410.00 - $6,136.00 Monthly
Location : Statewide, LA
Job Type: Classified
Job Number: 419-CO3-CTS2025
Department: DPS-Office of State Police
Opening Date: 04/30/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
About this Job
Vacancies are located in the Office of State Police and may be domiciled within any parish statewide as needed. These positions may be used to fill a probational appointment or job appointment.
This position requires shift work (days, nights, weekends, and holidays). This is a 911 Communications position with the use of a radio to communicate with Troopers and DPS Officers. All radio traffic is typed into the Computer-aided Dispatch Software (CAD) while answering phone calls from the public and other law enforcement agencies requesting assistance.
In addition to the biweekly salary, the newly hired incumbent will receive shift differential pay in the amount of $3.20/hr for hours worked outside of normal business hours (8:00am-4:30pm/Monday-Friday).
The Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Public Safety Services, is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment-related resources available for those with disabilities, refer to the Louisiana Employment Resource Guide.
For more information, please contact:
Department of Public Safety
ATTN: Human Resources
P.O. BOX 66614
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Fax: 225-922-0528
Applications without the education and/or work experience sections completed will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
Applicants with international degrees must provide an equivalency evaluation and a copy of their transcript at the time of application. The equivalency evaluation and transcript can be attached to the electronic application, mailed, or faxed to (225) 925-3970. Applications submitted without the above documents will not be considered.
RESUMES ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETING ALL SECTIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION.
If you are contacted for an interview, please let us know at that time if you have a disability and need a special accommodation.
All candidates for hire must undergo drug screening and additional background check(s).
This agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization.
NOTE: THE SELECTED CANDIDATE MUST TAKE AND PASS A DRUG SCREEN TEST PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Two years of experience in transmitting and receiving messages by radio or in administrative services; OR
One year of training in a business or clerical-related curriculum in a business school or technical institute plus one year of experience in transmitting and receiving messages by radio or in administrative services; OR
Thirty semester hours of college training plus one year of experience in transmitting and receiving messages by radio or in administrative services.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
All persons appointed to this job will be required by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Louisiana State Police Terminal Operator Certification Program Guidelines to meet the terminal operator certification/re-certification requirement within six months of employment.
An applicant who has been convicted of a felony or who is under indictment on a felony charge will be disqualified until relief from the disabilities imposed by state and federal laws is granted.
Job Specification
FUNCTION OF WORK:
To receive and respond to requests from enforcement officers/agents through telecommunication equipment. Acts as the point of contact with the general public for emergency situations, accidents, complaints, etc.
LEVEL OF WORK:
Advanced.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Direct from a Communications Officer Supervisor or higher-level personnel.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
None.
LOCATION OF WORK:
Statewide.
JOB DISTINCTIONS:
Differs from Communications Officer 2 by the presence of advanced-level duties which require complete independence.
Differs from Communications Officer Supervisor by the absence of supervision exercised.
Job Duties and Other Information
EXAMPLES LISTED BELOW INCLUDE BRIEF SAMPLES OF COMMON DUTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS JOB TITLE. PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT ALL TASKS ARE INCLUDED.
Receive and respond to informational requests by officers/agents.
Receive, analyze, prioritize, and respond to general public complaints and inquiries with complete independence. Alert the nearest officer/agent, dispatch to location, and relay the information.
Search, enter, modify, and delete computerized records for vehicle registrations, driver licenses, other licenses, wanted felons, missing persons, unidentified persons or bodies, stolen property, etc. in the appropriate computer database.
Maintain proper record keeping and update desk log during communications.
Train lower-level Communications Officers.
May have project management responsibilities assigned by supervisor.
Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.
As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program:
Insurance Coverage More information can be found at
Parental Leave - Up to six weeks paid parental leave
More information can be found at
Holidays and Leave - State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
  • Mardi Gras,
  • Good Friday,
  • Memorial Day,
  • Independence Day,
  • Labor Day,
  • Veteran's Day,
  • Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

***** Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor
State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.
Retirement- State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to):
  • Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
  • Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (),
  • Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (), among others

01
To ensure compliance with DPS-PSS Policy 01-02.01 Nepotism, no individual may be hired, promoted, demoted or transferred within DPS, if the individual is related to another employee who is, or would be, within their line of supervision. Relative is defined as: child, step-child, sibling, spouse, parent, step-parent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandchild, grandparent, and any "in law" relationship.Are you related to anyone employed with the Department of Public Safety, Public Safety Services?
  • Yes
  • No

02
If you answered yes to the above question, please list the name of your relative and relationship.
03
The incumbent of this position is required to work various shifts, including days, nights, holidays, and weekends. If hired, will you be able to meet this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Have you ever been on probation or sentenced to jail/prison as a result of a felony conviction or guilty plea to a felony charge?
  • Yes
  • No

05
If 'YES', give the law enforcement authority (city police, sheriff, FBI, etc), the offense, place and disposition of case. If 'NO', enter N/A.
Required Question

What State Of Louisiana employees say

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Benefits

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State of Louisiana logo

About State of Louisiana

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Louisiana, based in Baton Rouge, LA, US, is not a traditional company per se, but a government body that oversees the administration of the state. As revealed on its official website, louisiana.gov, its wide range of services falls within public administration industry, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, environment conservation, and law enforcement. Founded in 1806, the State of Louisiana’s mission is to ensure a high quality of life for its residents by effectively managing public resources, enforcing laws, and fostering economic growth. Its most notable achievements include the successful implementation of its Coastal Master Plan, aimed at conserving Louisiana's extensive coastline, and the dramatic overhaul of its public education system.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

1812

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