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911 Emergency Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Waukesha

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 ...

City of Waukesha

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 ...

City of Waukesha, WI

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 ...

City of Waxahachie

911 Dispatcher

Waxahachie, TX · On-site

$56K - $79K/yr

Receive emergency service calls from the public requesting law enforcement, ambulance, fire, or other emergency service; determine nature, location, and priority of emergency; dispatch emergency ...

City of Waxahachie, TX

911 Dispatcher

Waxahachie, TX · On-site

$56K - $79K/yr

Under general supervision, the 911 Dispatcher provides emergency dispatch services. This position ... Receive emergency service calls from the public requesting law enforcement, ambulance, fire, or ...

Custer County

Emergency Dispatcher

Rapid City, SD · On-site

$23.79/hr

Receives emergency and non-emergency calls, from the public, dispatchers, and law enforcement ... Must successfully complete the state mandated 911 Basic Course within one year of hire. * Ability ...

Custer County

Emergency Dispatcher

Custer, SD · On-site

$23.79/hr

Receives emergency and non-emergency calls, from the public, dispatchers, and law enforcement ... Must successfully complete the state mandated 911 Basic Course within one year of hire. * Ability ...

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How much do 911 emergency dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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 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.

What is a 911 emergency dispatcher?

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.

How long does it take to become a 911 emergency dispatcher?

Becoming a 911 emergency dispatcher typically requires completing a training program that lasts from a few weeks to several months, depending on the agency. Candidates usually need to pass a background check, obtain CPR certification, and develop skills in communication and emergency response protocols during training. Some jurisdictions also require passing a written exam and on-the-job training before full certification.

Is it hard to be hired as a 911 emergency dispatcher?

Becoming a 911 emergency dispatcher typically requires completing a training program, passing background checks, and demonstrating strong communication and multitasking skills. Competition can vary by location, and candidates often need to meet specific qualifications such as a high school diploma or equivalent and sometimes certification in emergency communication. The hiring process may include written exams, interviews, and psychological assessments.
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911 Emergency Dispatcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various 911 Emergency Dispatcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,061 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

911 Dispatcher / Telecommunicator

Shelby County 911

Birmingham, AL

$21.63/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Starting Salary: $21.63

The Shelby County Emergency Management Communications District (Shelby County 911) is looking for positive, professional, mature, enthusiastic, flexible, and responsible individuals to become 911 Telecommunicators.

Our Telecommunicators perform a variety of telephone and computer aided operational duties including 911 call taking and dispatching of law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services. We also assist the public with routine non-emergency and business-related calls.

For those with a focused interest in public safety, you will find this a great entry to a rewarding career in emergency communications. This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference in someone's life and the community while partnering with our men and women in the field.

911 Telecommunicators serve as calltakers and dispatchers. As a new Telecommunicator, you will receive classroom and hands-on training to answer both 911 emergency calls and routine non-emergency calls in a communications center. In one call, you will offer life-saving support to a citizen in need and in the next, handle a routine referral to a public safety agency. You will learn to answer complex emergency calls, use appropriate de-escalation techniques, and develop interviewing skills to gather necessary information for first responders in the field.

You may also have the opportunity to train as a dispatcher working directly with responding patrol units; using radios, telephones, and computer systems to provide information and support to law enforcement officers and fire fighters in the field.

To be successful, you must be fast to respond with direct and correct decisions, able to take charge of conversations, able to obtain accurate information from callers, enter information into a computer system while talking, correctly prioritize emergencies, determine the appropriate units to send to calls, and maintain accurate records.

Rarely do individuals have the opportunity to be the calm in someone's storm on a daily basis. Each day your calm voice, professional demeanor and specialized training will allow you to assist individuals who may truly be having the worst day of their lives.

Make the difference in someone's life, become a 911 Telecommunicator with Shelby County 911.

Application Timeline

Testing: Throughout July & August 
Job Closes: August 14th
Interviews: August 25th 
Start Date: September 

Apply