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911 Emergency Communications Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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911 Emergency Communications information

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How much do 911 emergency communications jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for 911 emergency communications in the United States is $24.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to be hired as a 911 dispatcher?

Becoming a 911 dispatcher typically requires passing a written exam, background check, and training program, with some agencies preferring candidates with prior emergency services experience or certifications. The hiring process can be competitive due to the importance of the role and the need for strong communication and multitasking skills.

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

Aspect911 Emergency Communications911 Dispatcher
CertificationsEmergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), CPR, E911 certificationsEmergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), CPR, E911 certifications
Work EnvironmentCall centers, emergency response centersCall centers, emergency response centers
Job RoleAnswering emergency calls, dispatching services, providing pre-arrival instructionsAnswering emergency calls, dispatching police, fire, or medical units
Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in many regions, focusing on communicationMore specific to dispatching emergency services directly to incidents

Both roles involve handling emergency calls and require similar certifications. However, 911 Emergency Communications often emphasizes the communication and coordination aspect, while 911 Dispatchers focus more on dispatching emergency units directly. The roles are closely related and sometimes overlap, but understanding their specific functions helps clarify their differences in emergency response operations.

What are 911 Emergency Communications professionals?

911 Emergency Communications professionals, also known as emergency dispatchers or telecommunicators, are trained individuals responsible for receiving and processing emergency calls from the public. They assess the nature of the emergency, provide critical instructions, and dispatch appropriate emergency services such as police, fire, or medical personnel. These professionals play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community by acting as the first point of contact during emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by 911 Emergency Communications professionals, and how can they be managed?

911 Emergency Communications professionals often encounter high-stress situations, such as handling multiple emergency calls simultaneously or dealing with emotionally distressed callers. Managing these challenges requires strong multitasking abilities, emotional resilience, and effective communication skills. Many agencies provide ongoing training, access to counseling resources, and regular debriefings to support staff well-being and performance. Developing a strong support network within your team can also help manage stress and maintain job satisfaction.

How to become a 911 dispatcher with no experience?

To become a 911 dispatcher with no experience, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete dispatcher training provided by the hiring agency. Strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and familiarity with emergency call systems are also important for entry-level candidates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher, you need excellent multitasking abilities, strong decision-making skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with specialized training in emergency communications. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and sometimes CPR or emergency medical dispatch certification is important. Outstanding communication, composure under pressure, and empathy are vital soft skills for effectively assisting callers in crisis. These skills ensure rapid, accurate response to emergencies and help save lives by facilitating critical communication between the public and first responders.

How much is the salary of a 911 dispatcher?

The average salary of a 911 emergency dispatcher varies by location but typically ranges from $35,000 to $55,000 per year. Factors such as experience, certifications, and shift differentials can influence earnings, and dispatchers often work in high-stress environments requiring strong communication skills.

Where do 911 dispatchers get paid the most?

911 emergency dispatchers tend to earn the highest salaries in states or regions with higher living costs and larger urban centers, such as metropolitan areas with higher demand for emergency services. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific agency also influence pay rates, with some jurisdictions offering additional shift differentials or overtime pay.
More about 911 Emergency Communications jobs
What cities are hiring for 911 Emergency Communications jobs? Cities with the most 911 Emergency Communications job openings:
What states have the most 911 Emergency Communications jobs? States with the most job openings for 911 Emergency Communications jobs include:
Infographic showing various 911 Emergency Communications job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,596 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

911 - EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

City of Lynchburg, VA

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$44K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Salary : $44,720.00 - $56,513.60 Annually
Location : Lynchburg, VA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 03542
Department: Police
Division: Emergency Communications
Opening Date: 02/10/2026
Description
Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding career? Consider a position as an
Emergency Communications Officer.
Base rate: $21.50 per hour
$5,000 bonus to be paid after completion of initial training.
The Emergency Communications Officer is a critical part of accomplishing the public safety mission for the City of Lynchburg. This is a fast-paced, 24/7 operation and requires applicants to be available to work any shift, including holidays, evenings, and weekends. Applicants must also be able to multi-task and prioritize demands.
Applicants must be able to type a minimum of 38 words per minute. To see if you can type 38 words per minute (or to practice), click
The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.
The 911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatching Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. This position plays a critical role in public safety by gathering accurate information, prioritizing calls, and coordinating appropriate emergency responses while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and composure.
Essential Duties
  • Process 911 and non-emergency calls for police, fire, EMS, rescue, and public works
  • Assess calls by obtaining crucial and pertinent information, frequently from hysterical or irate callers, in order
  • to classify and prioritize problems and to determine and coordinate the appropriate response by emergency personnel and equipment
  • Provide necessary Emergency Medical Dispatch instructions to callers experiencing medical crises
  • Monitor public safety units and maintain status of each to effectively coordinate response
  • Handle and determine dissemination of time-sensitive and confidential information
  • Operate various complex communications equipment, such as NCIC, 800 MHz regional radio system, and computer aided dispatch system
  • Send, receive, and disseminate messages to and from other agencies and jurisdictions through the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN)
  • Execute extensive file searches and updates relative to location history, hazard information and record management data
  • Administer appropriate notifications, such as alarm notifications, wrecker service, etc., as requested by public safety responders' performance outcomes.

Additional Duties
  • Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned
  • When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery
  • Provide testimony in criminal court proceedings
  • Coordinates daily with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the National Warning System (NAWAS)

Supervision
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Minimum Education and Experience Required
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or GED, and customer service and/or telemarketing experience required. Associate's degree with major coursework in communications and/or public safety preferred.
Additional Requirements
  • Must pass a thorough background examination, a polygraph, and a credit investigation.
  • Ability to be certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Dispatcher through successful completion of state-mandated training
  • Ability to obtain NCIC/VCIN certification
  • Ability to be certified in CPR and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) during the initial training period
Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.
The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the City's goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.
  • Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:
    • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
    • Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS);
      the City's contribution is based on a rate determined bi-annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefit
    • Life insurance at no cost to the employee
    • Optional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.
    • Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistance
    • Paid Time Off
  • Employees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the position

Employees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans
Additional information about City benefits can be found on our and in the
01
Are you a citizen of the United States?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?
03
How many words can you type in 1 minute (not including errors)? If you do not know your typing speed, you can take a typing test at www.typingtest.com.
04
This job requires working rotating 12-hour shifts, including weekends and holidays. The shift hours are 7:00 am - 7:00pm or 7:00 pm - 7:00 am. Are you willing and available to work ALL shifts and assignments?
05
Have you previously applied with the City of Lynchburg Police Department? If yes when, and for what position?
06
Please detail your customer service experience, telemarketing experience, or prior experience as an Emergency Communications Officer.
07
If you have no record of previous employment please provide detail regarding your time spent since graduation from High School or obtaining your GED.
08
Have you served in the armed forces?
  • Yes
  • No

09
If you have served in the Armed Forces and have been discharged, was it dishonorable or for bad conduct? If so please explain in detail.
10
You will be required to provide copies of your educational transcripts, birth certificate, DD 214 (if applicable) and DCJS Certification (if applicable). Please have these documents readily available to expedite the hiring process. Do you understand this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

11
Do you currently have any bills in collections (exclude debt protected in bankruptcies)? If you do please explain in detail your plan to have these bills paid in full.
12
Have you ever purchased, manufactured, stored, sold, acted as a lookout, delivered, smuggled, sent through the mail, transported another person to illegally buy or sell drugs or unlawfully benefitted in any way from the sale of prescription or illegal drugs? If yes, please explain including dates.
13
Have you used marijuana in the past 6 months? If so, when was the month and year of last usage?
14
In the last 4 years, have you ever unlawfully used any of the following: PCP, Heroin, Cocaine/Crack, Methamphetamine, Ecstasy, LSD, Psilocybin (mushrooms) or Rohypnol/Other Date Rape Drugs?
15
Please provide the last four digits of your Social Security number for verification purposes.
16
DMV Release Notice: This position requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving history. I hereby certify that I have read and understand the DMV Record Release Notice and give the City permission to obtain my driving record.
  • Yes
  • No

17
Please provide your drivers license number so that your driving record can be obtained.
18
Have you had a valid drivers license continuously for at least 3 years?
19
Out of State Applicants and/or Applicants who have had a VA driver's license for less than 3 years: Do you agree to provide a copy of your driving record from the state you are currently licensed or have been licensed in when requested?
  • yes
  • no
  • n/a

20
If you answered yes to the above question, please provide the name of the State where your license was issued:
21
Have you ever had your drivers license suspended, revoked or refused? Please explain.
22
Have you been charged with or convicted of a DUI related offense within the last 3 years?
23
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Please explain and provide the year this occurred.
24
Have you ever been convicted of a domestic assault and/or battery offense?
  • Yes
  • No

25
Have you ever been under a protective order by the court? If yes, please explain.
26
Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor? Please explain and provide the year this occurred.
27
Are you now, or have you ever been a member of a criminal street gang, or group that furthers or promotes criminal activity? If yes please explain.
28
Do you have any visible tattoos on your arms, neck, hands and/or face? If yes, please give location(s) and describe the tattoo(s). (You will be required to provide a photo of these at a later date in the hiring process.)
29
Have you ever been disciplined or punished for any violation related to lying, cheating, stealing, or something else that would bring your integrity into question? If yes, please explain.
30
Have you ever been disciplined, suspended, terminated, asked to resign, or received punitive actions at a current or former place of employment? If yes, please explain.
31
Primary communication during the hiring process is done through the email address lpd.training@lynchburgva.gov or allen.kittrell@lynchburgva.gov. Please check your spam/junk folders on a regular basis in addition to your inbox for communication from the Recruiting office. Do you agree to check your email?
  • Yes
  • No

32
This job requires you to pass a drug and alcohol screen, a thorough background examination, a polygraph, and credit investigation. Would you be willing to participate in these examinations?
33
I certify that the information provided on this application is truthful and accurate to my knowledge. I understand that any intentional omission of information and dishonestly will eliminate me from further consideration of employment with the Lynchburg Police Department.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question