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911 Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ONE Elite Staffing

911 Call Taker/Dispatcher

Dallas, TX · On-site

We are looking for 911 Call Takers/Dispatchers for the City of Dallas Police Department. Candidate ... Working knowledge of Communications Division Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.P.), General and ...

Alachua County

911 Specialist

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$45K - $69K/yr

Develops guidance information, flow charts, quick reference guides, decision tree diagrams, and other resources to be used by 911 Operators, dispatchers, and supervisors. Assists with the management ...

Hartford HealthCare at Home

EMS Dispatcher

Norwich, CT · On-site

Operating within our 911 Emergency Communications Call Center, this unique telecommunicator position will not only act as a 911 operator, but also as a liaison between healthcare facilities and our ...

On Time Transport

MAVO $16.50-$17.34

Voorhees, NJ · On-site

MAVO (Mobility Assistance Vehicle Operator) On Time Transport has provided Caring in Motion since 1990, providing mostly non emergent medical transport to patients to and from different medical ...

Blue Earth County, MN

911 Telecommunicator

Mankato, MN · On-site

$61K - $86K/yr

Must complete MN BCA 2-day Basic Operator Training within 6 monthsof start date (in-person or ... for 911 Telecommunicators. Must adhere to data practices policies and standards regarding non ...

Blue Earth County

911 Telecommunicator

Mankato, MN

$61K - $86K/yr

... operating procedure manual. Provides public service information including weather/road conditions ... for 911 Telecommunicators. Must adhere to data practices policies and standards regarding non ...

On Time Transport

MAVO $16.50-$17.34

Voorhees, NJ · On-site

MAVO (Mobility Assistance Vehicle Operator) On Time Transport has provided Caring in Motion since 1990, providing mostly non emergent medical transport to patients to and from different medical ...

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How much do 911 operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 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 are 911 Operators?

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.

How to become a 911 dispatcher?

To become a 911 dispatcher, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete training provided by the employing agency. Certification in emergency medical dispatch or other relevant skills may be required, and strong communication and multitasking abilities are essential for the role.

Is it hard to be hired as a 911 dispatcher?

Becoming a 911 dispatcher typically requires passing a written exam, background check, and training program, which can be competitive due to the job's high responsibility. Candidates often need strong communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and sometimes certification in emergency dispatching. The hiring process can be rigorous, but meeting the qualifications and demonstrating relevant skills improves chances of being hired.

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.

How to get a job being a 911 operator?

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

What is the highest paid 911 operator?

The highest paid 911 operators typically earn salaries in the upper range of emergency dispatchers, with some earning over $60,000 annually, especially in regions with higher cost of living or specialized certifications. Factors such as experience, location, and additional skills can influence salary levels for this role.
More about 911 Operator jobs
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911 Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 911 Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, and 59% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,159 per year, or $27 per hour.
911 Call Taker/Dispatcher

911 Call Taker/Dispatcher

ONE Elite Staffing

Dallas, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

We are looking for 911 Call Takers/Dispatchers for the City of Dallas Police Department.

Candidate will be providing emergency communication response to citizens requesting fire, police, and/or ambulance to maintain the safety of citizens' and police employees lives and property.

Essential Functions

1. Receives and evaluates calls from the public requesting police, fire, and Emergency Medical Service (EMS)

assistance and transfers fire and ambulance calls to respective dispatcher as dictated by the situation and mandated in the departmental directives to respond to safety needs of citizens.

2. Determines nature of emergency, codes incident according to five tier call prioritization system, and inputs and transmits call information entering incident data in computer to ensure documentation of incident and transmittal to dispatcher for prompt response.

3. Thoroughly interviews callers to obtain vital/all necessary information to ensure a prompt appropriate response to particular situation and document an accurate and complete report of the incident.

4. Identifies critical situations and alerts supervisor on complicated and unusual situations such as bomb threats, kidnapping, line traces, etc. to ensure prompt and appropriate police response to the situation.

5. Applies policies, procedures, guidelines relating to emergency situations, and crime intervention to ensure compliance, safety of citizens and emergency response personnel, and prevent liabilities.

6. Provides immediate crisis intervention for hysterical and agitated callers to calm them enough to get the necessary information to respond to the call.

7. Regular, reliable and punctual attendance is an essential function of the job.

Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Perform Work

Thorough knowledge of telephone etiquette and procedures.

Thorough knowledge of streets and highways in the Dallas area.

Working knowledge of Communications Division Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.P.), General and Special Orders consisting of rules, regulations and amendments, Personnel Rules of the City of Dallas.

Proficient and effective oral communication skills with clear and understandable voice.

Technical ability to operate 9-1-1/3-1-1 telephone equipment, including Automatic Number Indicator, Automatic

Location Indicator, and multi-function telephone set.

Ability to apply policies, procedures, and guidelines relating to emergency and non-emergency situations.

Advance knowledge of Crime Intervention procedures.

Ability to receive and handle complaints, and request for information from citizen making call.

Ability to exercise sound judgment and stay calm under extreme pressure situations in order to think and provide quick response to emergency situations.

Ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute and transcribe citizen's requests succinctly.

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of management, city officials, vendors, other government agencies, other employees and the general public.

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education certification as a 911 Operator required.

Working Conditions and Hazards

Works sitting at telephone panel and computer terminal.

Subject to stress from tension and from receiving details of criminal acts of violence.

Works rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

MUST have a clear background and able to pass a drug test