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911 Emergency Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

911 Dispatcher

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Our job duty is similar to those of a 911 emergency dispatcher. We must be attentive and perform procedures with a quick and accurate response as our industry is life safety. Your essential functions ...

Dispatcher

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$27.04/hr

As a 911 emergency dispatcher, the initial first responders' primary responsibility is to receive, process, transmit and dispatch emergency & non-emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, emergency ...

Dispatcher

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$56K - $67K/yr

A 911 emergency dispatcher provides life safety and scene safety instructions using protocols while prioritizing situations and directing calls with commitment to established department policies and ...

Dispatcher

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$56K - $67K/yr

As a 911 emergency dispatcher, the initial first responders' primary responsibility is to receive, process, transmit and dispatch emergency & non-emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, emergency ...

Emergency Dispatcher

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$39K - $50K/yr

Police Department - 911 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park, TX Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 202500212 ... As an Emergency Dispatcher, you'll play a vital role as the crucial link in public safety, ensuring ...

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911 Emergency Dispatcher information

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$15

$25

$40

How much do 911 emergency dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for 911 emergency dispatcher in the United States is $25.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel as a 911 Emergency Dispatcher, you need strong multitasking abilities, quick decision-making, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by specialized dispatcher training. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication technology, and emergency protocols is essential. Outstanding communication skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring effective emergency response, public safety, and the well-being of callers and first responders.

What is the highest paid 911 operator?

The highest paid 911 emergency dispatchers typically earn salaries above $60,000 annually, with some experienced professionals in high-cost areas earning over $70,000. Factors influencing pay include location, years of experience, certifications, and the size of the dispatch center.

How to become a 911 dispatcher with no experience?

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

How much is the salary of a 911 dispatcher?

The average salary of a 911 emergency dispatcher varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $35,000 to $55,000 per year. Entry-level dispatchers may earn less, while experienced professionals or those in high-demand areas can earn higher wages, often supplemented with shift differentials and overtime opportunities.

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

Aspect911 Emergency DispatcherEmergency Call Taker
CredentialsCPR certification, dispatcher training, sometimes state certificationSimilar certifications, often includes emergency communication training
Work EnvironmentEmergency call centers, dispatching police, fire, EMSCall centers, handling emergency and non-emergency calls
Employer & IndustryPublic safety agencies, police, fire, EMSPublic safety agencies, emergency services
Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in emergency response communicationCommonly compared with dispatchers for call handling duties

The main difference between a 911 Emergency Dispatcher and an Emergency Call Taker is that dispatchers actively coordinate emergency response units, while call takers primarily handle incoming calls and gather information. Both roles require similar certifications and work in emergency call centers, but dispatchers have additional responsibilities in dispatching responders to incidents.

What are some common challenges faced by 911 Emergency Dispatchers and how are they addressed on the job?

911 Emergency Dispatchers often encounter high-stress situations, including handling multiple calls simultaneously and managing emotionally charged conversations. To address these challenges, dispatchers receive extensive training in crisis communication, multitasking, and prioritization. Many agencies provide ongoing support through regular debriefings, access to mental health resources, and a team-oriented environment where colleagues and supervisors offer assistance and backup when needed. This support structure helps dispatchers maintain composure and effectiveness during critical incidents.

Is it hard to be hired as a 911 dispatcher?

Becoming a 911 emergency dispatcher can be competitive, as it requires passing written exams, background checks, and often completing specialized training or certification. Candidates should have strong communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and typically need to meet age and education requirements. The hiring process may also include interviews and psychological assessments to ensure suitability for the role.

What are 911 Emergency Dispatchers?

911 Emergency Dispatchers are professionals who answer emergency calls and coordinate the response of police, fire, and medical services. They are trained to calmly gather crucial information from callers, assess the situation, and dispatch the appropriate emergency personnel to the scene. Dispatchers also provide critical instructions to callers, such as first aid steps, while help is on the way. Their role is essential in ensuring public safety and rapid emergency response.
More about 911 Emergency Dispatcher jobs
What cities are hiring for 911 Emergency Dispatcher jobs? Cities with the most 911 Emergency Dispatcher job openings:
What states have the most 911 Emergency Dispatcher jobs? States with the most job openings for 911 Emergency Dispatcher jobs include:
Infographic showing various 911 Emergency Dispatcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,061 per year, or $25.5 per hour.
911 Emergency Dispatcher

911 Emergency Dispatcher

Wood County Sheriff's Office

Bowling Green, OH • On-site

$28.40 - $32.96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Join the Wood County Sheriff's Office as a Dispatcher
The Wood County Sheriff's Office, located in Bowling Green, Ohio, is seeking dedicated individuals to serve as Dispatch Deputies. This role involves receiving emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, law enforcement, fire departments, and medical personnel. They gather critical information, assess the situation, and dispatch the appropriate emergency services quickly and efficiently. This role requires excellent communication, multitasking, and decision-making skills to ensure public safety and support first responders in the field. Dispatch deputies often work in high-pressure environments and must remain calm, professional, and focused at all times.
Key Benefits:
  • Competitive Salary: Starting at $28.40 per hour .
  • Comprehensive, Low Cost Insurance: Health, prescription, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement Plans: Participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) with employee contributions at 10% and employer contributions at 14%
  • Paid Time Off: Sick leave accrual, vacation accrual, comp time, and 12 paid holidays annually
  • Uniform Allowance: $750 per year
  • Professional Development: Paid training and educational stipends
  • Additional Incentives: Sick leave incentive

Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • U.S. citizen or lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Valid Ohio driver's license.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • No felony convictions, including expunged records.
  • Must be insurable under Wood County's insurance carrier.
  • No OMVI, DUS, or reckless operation arrests within the last 3 years.
  • No misdemeanor drug convictions within the last 5 years; no felony drug convictions.
  • Ability to read and speak English; vision correctable to 20/20.

Join a team of over 130 deputies serving a county rich in history and community spirit. The Wood County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to providing exceptional law enforcement services and offers a supportive environment for professional growth.
For more information and to apply, please visit our Careers Page.
DIVISION: Communications Center STATUS: Bargaining Unit (Non-Command)
POSITION: Dispatcher I FLSA Non-Exempt

PURPOSE OF POSITION
The purpose of this position is to receive routine and emergency calls, prioritize calls, and dispatch personnel as needed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
In addition to consistent and reliable attendance, the following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Operates telephones, communication equipment, and computers associated with police, fire, and E-911 communications.
Receives, screens, and monitors routine and emergency calls; categorizes and prioritizes calls; dispatches backup units, ambulances, fire fighters, road crews, utility crews, or others as appropriate; conveys information/instructions to caller as necessary to assist until dispatched units arrive on scene; relays pre-arrival medical instructions to assist in lifesaving treatment; communicates effectively and coherently over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
Maintains communications with all parties involved in emergency situations; tracks location of police units, fire and ambulance units; assists emergency personnel in locating addresses; conveys information to/from emergency personnel, general public, public safety agencies, utilities, businesses, and other personnel within the department; notifies medical facilities of patients being transported; conveys en-route patient information to hospital staff for emergency personnel.
Monitors radio traffic of surrounding law enforcement, emergency, and non-emergency agencies to maintain an awareness of activities outside primary jurisdiction; responds to all county-wide radio traffic.
Monitors severe weather situations; alerts citizens of severe weather by sounding county-wide sirens and cable television overrides; notifies appropriate staff members, emergency facilities, law enforcement centers, medical facilities, schools, health department officials, and other facilities/agencies of conditions involving severe weather or hazardous material releases.
Conducts or participates in routine equipment testing, radio station identifications, emergency drills, and testing of emergency systems as needed; maintains records.
Monitors bank alarms; responds to business and residential alarm calls; checks for alarm permits.
Operates national and state law enforcement computer systems to retrieve/update criminal information; operates bureau of motor vehicle computer to retrieve motor vehicle/license records; runs inquiries and enters updates on data such as criminal histories, warrants, inmate records, gun permits, driver's license records, stolen property, or missing/wanted persons.
Performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, toner, or ribbons; coordinates service/repair activities as needed.
Processes a variety of documentation associated with departmental operations, per established procedures and within designated timeframes; distributes documentation or retains records as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, time sheets, logs, fire run sheets, general orders, lost/found animals, or other documents.
Answers the telephone; evaluates and processes calls; provides information and assistance; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
Performs light cleaning/housekeeping tasks associated with maintaining work areas.
Provides assistance or backup coverage to other employees or departments as needed.
Performs other related tasks as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma supplemented by six months experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
PERFORMANCE APTITUDES
Data Utilization: Requires the ability to perform basic level of data analysis including the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize and/or reference data, statutes and/or guidelines
Human Interaction: Requires the ability to persuade, convince, influence, and monitor, in favor of a desired outcome.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as emergency 911 calls, traffic stops, maps, plats, statutes, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence.
Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; and calculate percentages, and decimals.
Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems. Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form.
Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, calibrate, tune and synchronize, and perform complex rapid adjustment on equipment, machinery and tools such as a personal computer and other office machines, and/or related materials used in performing essential functions.
Physical Ability: Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of moderately light objects and materials. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
Sensory Requirements:Requires the ability to recognize and identify individual characteristics of colors, shapes and sound associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.
Environmental Factors:Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions, but can be mildly uncomfortable.
Wood County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.