1

911 Emergency Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

E-911 Operator I

Conyers, GA · On-site

$18.04 - $23.48/hr

Receives emergency calls for service by E-911 system, telephone, or radio for Fire Department, E.M ... Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Continued) Knowledge of the proper methods of operating a ...

... and emergency services. Operating 24/7/365 out of the VUPD 911 Center at 813 LaPorte Ave, ... dispatchers support community policing, field safety, and regional communication networks. After ...

911 Dispatcher

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$31.82 - $46.14/hr

Key Responsibilities This 911 Dispatcher is primarily responsible for effectively communicating with the public in emergency situations while operating the Village-wide enhanced 911 Emergency ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

911 Emergency Operator information

See salary details

$10

$20

$28

How much do 911 emergency operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for 911 emergency operator in the United States is $20.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 911 emergency operator?

911 Emergency Operators, also known as emergency dispatchers, are professionals who answer emergency calls and coordinate the appropriate response from police, fire, or medical services. They quickly gather critical information from callers, provide instructions for immediate actions, and dispatch emergency personnel to the scene. These operators play a vital role in ensuring public safety by maintaining calm under pressure and communicating effectively with both callers and first responders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 911 emergency operator?

To thrive as a 911 Emergency Operator, you need strong multitasking abilities, quick decision-making, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with many roles requiring specialized training or certification in emergency dispatch. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and emergency protocols is critical. Excellent communication skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure that operators can efficiently manage emergency calls, relay accurate information, and provide critical support during high-stress situations.

What are some common challenges faced by 911 emergency operators and how can they be managed?

911 Emergency Operators often encounter high-stress situations, including handling multiple calls simultaneously and dealing with callers in distress. Managing emotional responses and maintaining clear communication are crucial skills in this role. Many agencies provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, such as access to counseling and peer support programs, to help operators cope with the psychological demands. Building resilience and practicing effective stress management techniques can help operators perform their duties effectively and maintain their well-being.

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

Aspect911 Emergency OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, CPR certification often preferredHigh school diploma, CPR certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentCall centers, emergency response centersDispatch centers, emergency response agencies
Employer & IndustryPublic safety agencies, police, fire, EMSPublic safety agencies, police, fire, EMS
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both 911 Emergency Operators and Emergency Dispatchers work in emergency response environments, often within police, fire, or EMS agencies. They share similar credentials and work settings, but 911 Emergency Operators primarily handle incoming emergency calls, providing immediate assistance and dispatch instructions, while Emergency Dispatchers may also coordinate responses and manage dispatching logistics. Understanding these roles helps clarify their distinct responsibilities within emergency services.

How do you get a job as a 911 emergency operator?

To become a 911 emergency operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete specialized training provided by the employer or a certification program. Strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and familiarity with emergency dispatch systems are essential for the role.

Is it worth it to become a 911 emergency operator?

A 911 emergency operator plays a critical role in emergency response by dispatching police, fire, or medical services. The job requires strong communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and often involves shift work, including nights and weekends. While it can be rewarding for those interested in public service, it also involves high stress and emotional demands.

What cities are hiring for 911 Emergency Operator jobs?

Cities with the most 911 Emergency Operator job openings:

What states have the most 911 Emergency Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for 911 Emergency Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to 911 Emergency Operator jobs?

For 911 Emergency Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various 911 Emergency Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,441 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

911 Emergency Response Operator I

Honolulu, HI • On-site

Honolulu Police Department
1 - 10 employees

$3.2K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Answer, screen, and route 911 calls to the appropriate public safety or support service.

  • Verify the emergency nature of each call and direct calls to the proper section for service.

  • Handle drop, open line, and urgent calls, and monitor calls until they are answered or redirected.


Honolulu Police Department rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Salary : $3,266.00 Monthly
Location : Honolulu, HI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: PC-130
Department: Support Services Bureau
Division: Communications EAS 911 Section
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Position Information
COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
911 EMERGENCY RESPONSE OPERATOR I, SR-08

SUMMARY OF DUTIES
This position is under the supervision of the 911 Emergency Response Operator II (911 ERO II). This position is the public's first contact point in an emergency and is primarily responsible for answering, screening and routing calls for service to all 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP). Work requires rotating shifts, days off, weekends, and holidays, and may also require extended work hours under certain unforeseen circumstances. Regular and reliable attendance is critical due to operational needs and to ensure public safety and prompt emergency service to the community.
Example of Duties:
  1. Operates the 911 CML Automatic Call Distributor Computer System to receive, screen and expeditiously route 911 calls to the Police Dispatch, Fire Communications Center, Ambulance Dispatch, Hawaii Poison Center and the Suicide and Crisis Center. Responsible for verifying the emergency nature of each 911 call in succession and directing the calls to the proper section for service. Transfers Oahu callers requesting police service on neighbor islands.
  2. Handles drop, open line and urgent calls and immediately routes them to the police Urgent Response Section (URS), monitoring the call until it has been answered. Ensures that the URS call taker receives all information provided by the caller, including the Automatic Number Identification (ANI) and the Automatic Location Identification (ALI). Makes decisions to redirect these calls to another police area when police call takers and URS call takers are unavailable.

Minimum Qualification Requirements
Training and Experience:
A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from high school and one year of office clerical work experience which shall have involved public contact.
License Requirement:
None
Knowledge of:
Office practices and procedures; the purposes and uses of standard office equipment; geography of the island of Oahu; principles and techniques of dealing with people.
Additional Information
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. All first time users must create an account on www.governmentjobs.com before applying.
  2. Only online applications shall be accepted.
  3. Please explain your work duties in detail. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected.
  4. Interviews are conducted IN PERSON only. Virtual and phone interviews are not offered at this time.
  5. Education obtained outside of the United States must be comparable to a degree earned at a regionally-accredited college/university in the United States. In order to receive credit for the education, a foreign credential evaluation (FCE) must be provided. We also reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript.

-- Vacation: Employees may earn up to 21 days per year.
-- Sick Leave: Employees may earn up to 21 days per year.
-- Holidays: 13 days a year; 14 days during election years.
-- Training and Development: Computer, career, and personal enhancement courses are offered; curriculum designed for employee, supervisory, and management development.
-- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and Vision Care: Various health insurance plans are available. Premiums are subsidized by the City and deductible from pre-tax income for participants of the Premium Conversion Plan (PCP).
-- Group Life Insurance: No cost for eligible employees.
-- Deferred Compensation Plan: Invest in your future...choose to defer part of your pre-tax income for retirement.
-- Retirement Plan: The Employees' Retirement System (ERS) of the State of Hawaii administers retirement benefits for State and County employees. Employee contribution required.
-- Commuter Choice Pre-Tax Benefits: Employees may designate certain transportation expenses (TheBus, LOTMA, Vanpool Hawaii, etc.) as a pre-tax item
-- Parking: Some job locations offer parking on-site; others may have access to parking at low monthly rates.
-- Direct Deposit: Direct deposit of paychecks to a designated financial institution is available.
* All benefits as stated above, are subject to eligibility requirements and to legislative and/or negotiated changes. Individuals are responsible for any related fees or charges that may apply.
01
Do you have a combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from high school?
  • I have a high school diploma.
  • I have a combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from high school.
  • I do not have a high school diploma or the equivalent education/experience.

02
Do you have one year of office clerical work experience which shall have involved public contact?
  • I have at least one year of office clerical work experience which have involved public contact.
  • I have at least one year of office clerical work experience, but less than one year that involved public contact.
  • I do not have one year of office clerical work experience.

03
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected.
  • Acknowledged

Required Question

What Honolulu Police Department employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom