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911 Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Communications Operator

Navasota, TX · On-site

$46K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Works closely by 911, telephone, radio, teletype, computer, or in person with other city ... CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED Telecommunications Operator Certification from the Texas ...

Dispatcher

Houston, TX · On-site

$24.37 - $32.23/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a 911 Dispatcher for the City of Jersey Village, you will be responsible for receiving emergency ... Proficiency in operating computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems.Willingness to work rotating shifts ...

Dispatcher

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a 911 Dispatcher for the City of Jersey Village, you will be responsible for receiving emergency ... Proficiency in operating computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems. * Willingness to work rotating ...

Showing results 41-60

911 Operator information

See Texas salary details

$21

$25

$29

How much do 911 operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for 911 operator in Texas is $25.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.75 and $26.88 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 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.

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 most commonly searched types of 911 Operator jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of 911 Operator jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for 911 Operator jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most 911 Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to 911 Operator jobs in TX?

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

Infographic showing various 911 Operator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,321 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

911 Communications Specialist, University Police

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Dallas, TX

$67K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


UT Southwestern rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Why UT Southwestern Police Department?

With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned academic medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and safety for our University and community. Ranked by Forbes as one of the Top 10 National Employers, we invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern Police Department where you’ll discover teamwork, professionalism, and consistent opportunities for learning and advancement into leadership roles.

Job Summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center is currently seeking 911 Communications Specialists. In this important role, you will serve as a vital connection between law enforcement personnel and the UTSW community, contributing significantly to public safety and coordinating emergency response efforts. Your exceptional communication skills and ability to remain composed under pressure will be crucial in efficiently dispatching resources and delivering precise information to field officers. By becoming a telecommunication in our police department, you will have opportunities for professional advancement within the department, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to advance their careers in public security and safety.

Join the UT Southwestern police department today to get started on a journey of growth in your security career.

Starting salary is $50,890, with the top step at $67,527. In addition, shift differential pay plus weekend and holiday pay is offered.

Watch this video to see a day in the life of a dispatcher here at UT Southwestern.

Education and Experience

Required

Education

High School Diploma Or equivalent

Experience

1 year In customer service or related field and

Licenses and Certifications

Basic Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunications Operator license Upon Hire or Is qualified to acquire a Basic Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunications Operator license and

Applicants must also successfully complete a Public-Safety Telecommunication (PST) Test and

The recommended testing is the International Personnel Management Association (IPMA) Public Safety Telecommunication Test or CritiCall and

This testing will be administered by the Police Department. and

All offers of employment are contingent upon a verified negative drug screen. 

Preferred

Education

Associate's Degree or Thirty (30) credit hours in Criminal Justice or related field and completion of FEMA ICS 100, 200, 300, 400 and 700 series courses

Experience

1 year Experience in a public safety or emergency communications field

Job Duties
  • Answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service. Receives and records information, and requests for police/security services in a computerized database.
  • Dispatches field personnel according to need and priority of the request for service.
  • Transmits and receives radio calls from field units via two-way radio. The ability to speak concisely and distinctly.
  • Coordinate and maintain effective communications between field units and neighboring law enforcement agencies.
  • Uses a computer aided dispatch system to enter, research, and retrieve information.
  • Monitor closed circuit television, security, fire and radiological related alarm systems.
  • React calmly, quickly and decisively in emergency situations to obtain, summarize and relay information both orally and in written form.
  • Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Demonstrate the ability to handle multiple tasks, working under stressful conditions. Activations of emergency procedures for evacuations or similar emergencies.
  • Operation of specialized communication networking computer terminal to access confidential and restricted law enforcement information.
  • Compile information from different sources to develop a daily briefing or a log which provides information to assist in the daily operations of the agency.
  • Monitors multiple radiation sources.
  • Monitors and operates complex access control system.
  • Defacto emergency management coordinator during after hours critical incidents.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Security

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO Statement

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.


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