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911 Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UT Health East Texas

911 Operator

Tyler, TX · On-site

Overview Join our team as a full-time, EMS 911 Operator in Tyler, TX. Why Join Us? Thrive in a People-First Environment and Make Healthcare Better * Thrive: We empower our team with career growth ...

UT Health East Texas

911 Operator

Tyler, TX · On-site

Overview Join our team as a full-time, EMS 911 Operator in Tyler, TX. Why Join Us? Thrive in a People-First Environment and Make Healthcare Better * Thrive: We empower our team with career growth ...

City of Plano

911 Operator

Plano, TX · On-site

At the City of Plano, our culture is grounded in service, teamwork, and making a meaningful impact. Our SERVE values- S tewardship, E ngaged, R espectful, V isionary, and E xcellence-guide how we ...

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911 Operator information

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How much do 911 operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for 911 operator in the United States is $27.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 911 operator?

911 Operators, also known as emergency dispatchers, are professionals who answer emergency and non-emergency calls from the public. They are responsible for gathering essential information from callers, determining the nature and location of emergencies, and dispatching the appropriate emergency services, such as police, fire, or medical personnel. In addition to dispatching, they may provide life-saving instructions over the phone and must remain calm and composed under pressure. Their work is crucial to ensuring a swift and effective emergency response.

What does a 911 operator do?

A 911 operator works in an emergency dispatch center receiving calls from the general public. Also known as emergency dispatchers, in this job, you answer the phone when someone calls the 911 emergency number. Your job duties include answering phone calls in a 24-hour call center, collecting information from callers regarding the emergency situation, and dispatching the appropriate safety personnel to assist the callers. As a 911 operator, many of the phone calls you receive are serious in nature and can be traumatic, so you must be able to work well under this stress and maintain strong communication skills.

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

To thrive as a 911 Operator, you need strong communication skills, quick decision-making abilities, and a high school diploma or GED, with some agencies requiring specialized training or certification. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, multi-line phone systems, and radio equipment is essential. Exceptional emotional resilience, multitasking, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure timely, accurate responses to emergencies, which directly impact public safety and successful emergency outcomes.

What are some of the biggest challenges 911 operators face during high-stress calls, and how can they manage them effectively?

911 Operators frequently handle high-pressure situations, such as medical emergencies or crimes in progress, where staying calm is crucial. The biggest challenges include managing emotional callers, quickly gathering accurate information, and prioritizing multiple incidents simultaneously. Effective operators rely on strong communication skills, standardized protocols, and support from their team to ensure efficient and compassionate responses. Many agencies also provide regular training and access to peer support programs to help operators cope with job-related stress.

What is the difference between 911 Operator vs Emergency Dispatcher?

Aspect911 OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, communication skills, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, communication skills, often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentEmergency call centers, public safety agenciesEmergency call centers, public safety agencies
Employer & IndustryPolice, fire, EMS departmentsPolice, fire, EMS departments
Job FunctionsAnswer emergency calls, gather info, dispatch servicesAnswer emergency calls, coordinate dispatch, provide info

Both 911 Operators and Emergency Dispatchers work in emergency call centers, answering calls and dispatching services. The roles are often used interchangeably, with slight variations depending on the agency. Generally, they require similar skills and certifications, focusing on quick response and communication. The main difference lies in terminology used by different agencies, but their core responsibilities and work environments are very similar.

How do you get a job as a 911 operator?

To become a 911 operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete training provided by the hiring agency. Strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and knowledge of emergency protocols are essential for the role.

How long does it take to become a 911 operator?

Becoming a 911 operator typically requires completing a training program that lasts from a few weeks to several months, depending on the department's requirements. Candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and may need to obtain certifications such as Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) or Emergency Telecommunicator Certification. Ongoing training is often provided to develop communication skills and familiarity with dispatch systems.
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911 Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 911 Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,159 per year, or $27 per hour.

911 Operator

UT Health East Texas

Tyler, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

UT Health East Texas rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

697th of 895 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
Join our team as a full-time, EMS 911 Operator in Tyler, TX.
Why Join Us?
Thrive in a People-First Environment and Make Healthcare Better
  • Thrive: We empower our team with career growth opportunities, tuition assistance, and resources that support your wellness, education, and financial well-being.
  • People-First: We prioritize your well-being with paid time off, comprehensive health benefits, and a supportive, inclusive culture where you are valued and cared for.
  • Make Healthcare Better: We use advanced technology to support our team and enhance patient care.

Get to Know Your Team:
  • UT Health East Texas EMS/AIR 1 has more than 50 ambulances, three active helicopters and one helicopter in reserve strategically located across the region and emergency teams provide rapid access to care.

Responsibilities
Responsible for receiving request for ambulance service by telephone as per established medical protocols, policies, and procedures. Effectively communicates with internal and external customers.
Qualifications
Job Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
  • Emergency Medical Dispatch (Paid Certification Training provided by UT Health) - must obtain within 60 days of hire.
  • Type with reasonable accuracy.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, protocol and procedure manuals, ability to write routine reports and correspondence, and to speak effectively over the phone and to employees of the organization.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists and the ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral diagram or schedule form.
  • Accurate and compliant use of MPDS EMD protocols after training received.
  • Skills to apply EMD protocols over the telephone after receiving paid training.

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