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911 Operator Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

EMT

Milwaukee, WI

$21 - $24.89/hr

Curtis Ambulance is seeking State of Wisconsin licensed EMTs to join our team! 95% 911 response and ... Operating emergency vehicles safely and proficiently. * Assessing patients' conditions and ...

Bell Ambulance has operated since 1977 and has grown into the largest ambulance service provider in Wisconsin. We are a certified and contracted provider in the City of Milwaukee 911 system. We ...

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911 Operator information

See Wisconsin salary details

$23

$27

$32

How much do 911 operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for 911 operator in Wisconsin is $27.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $29.13 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.

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

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

What job categories do people searching 911 Operator jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for 911 Operator jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for 911 Operator jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most 911 Operator job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various 911 Operator job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,685 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

911 Police, Fire & EMS Dispatcher - Experienced Telecoms (LTE)

Brown County

Green Bay, WI

$25 - $29.09/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Brown County (Wisconsin) rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

648th of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Summary Are you a current dispatcher or have recent 911 dispatching experience. We're looking for individuals to join our team as Limited Term Employees (LTE). Flexible scheduling is available as this position requires a minimum of 10 hours per month.

Under direct supervision, operates communications equipment that receives and dispatches police, fire and medical emergency calls via telephone, electronic and radio dispatch equipment; dispatches a minimum of one position. Schedules available: Open shifts, must work at least 10 hours per month. This is an LTE position which means there are no benefits given with the role.

Essential Duties Answers and routes telephone calls and messages of emergency and non-emergency nature to the proper public service agency. Operates radio dispatch positions. Uses data input procedure on multiple keyboard terminals to assure data is properly transmitted to the computer.

Completes electronic incident forms. Maintains documentation of all communications transmitted and received by radio into electronic databases. Assures proper routing of incident information through geographic knowledge of the county.

Verifies on visual screen (video display terminal) with call incident information to assure data was correctly transmitted. Maintains records and data in accordance with departmental rules. Routes, transmits and interprets teletype messages.

Testifies at adjudication hearings as necessary. Must have 1 year or more telecommunicator experience in a Public Safety Answering Point. Minimum Qualifications Required Education & Experience: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Current certifications for the courses required in Operator I. One (1) year of documented experience in a dispatch operation within the past 5 years. Licenses and Certifications: CPR certified.

Current Emergency Medical Dispatch certification. Current Transactional Information Management Enforcement (T.I.M.E.) State certification. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, area geography and an awareness of community events

Knowledge of and ability to utilize a computer and the required software. Ability to orally communicate effectively and precisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to operate a keyboard and telephone equipment.

Ability to pass CritiCall test. Ability to accurately obtain information over the telephone from callers. Ability to maintain emotional stability in stressful situations.

Ability to comprehend and carry out departmental rules, regulations and procedures. Ability to maintain security and confidentiality. Ability to record computer data rapidly and accurately.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public. Ability to familiarize oneself with incidents relating to critical public safety activities. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.

Ability to work the required hours of the position. Brown County is an E-Verify employer. Click the links below for more information.

https://www.browncountywi.gov/i/f/files/Human-Resources/E-Verify%20Participation%20Poster(1).pdf https://www.browncountywi.gov/i/f/files/Human-Resources/IER%20Right%20to%20Work%20Poster.pdf


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