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911 Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

On Time Ambulance

MAVO $16.50-$17.34

Voorhees, NJ

Description 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 ...

CATALDO AMBULANCE BUSINESS TRUST

Dispatcher

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$23 - $32/hr

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 ...

CATALDO AMBULANCE BUSINESS TRUST

Dispatcher

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$23 - $32/hr

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 ...

Summit County, CO

911 Dispatcher

Frisco, CO · On-site

$35.38 - $50.89/hr

Regular Full-Time Department: 911 Center Opening Date: 06/03/2025 Closing Date: Continuous ... operating procedures. * Maintains incident and status histories accurately in the Computer Aided ...

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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
What cities are hiring for 911 Operator jobs? Cities with the most 911 Operator job openings:
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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.

Dispatcher (EMD) - Full Time (Boston/Malden)

CATALDO AMBULANCE SERVICE

Malden, MA • On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Cataldo Ambulance rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Summary / General Scope:

Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) acts as the vital first point of contact for 911 medical emergencies, gathering critical information, determining response levels, and dispatching ambulances while providing pre-arrival instructions to callers. They are responsible for effective communications, call entry, and dispatching for all 911 emergency and non-emergency medical transportation requests. 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 medical transportation team to effectively communicate available resources and expected arrival times, schedule non-emergency medical transportation, and ensure timelines are being met or new arrival expectations are set.

Key Responsibilities

  • Answering and processing emergency and non-emergency calls, rapidly assessing the nature and location of medical emergencies.
  • Rapidly gather relevant information
  • Dispatch appropriate non-emergency and emergency medical transportation including ALS, BLS, and Wheelchair Van resources
  • Provides crucial, step by step medical instructions to callers while responders are enroute.
  • Review available resources and communicate expected arrival times with healthcare facilities
  • Maintain communication and expectations with healthcare facilities
  • Monitors field personnel locations, track status, and manage logistics using GPS and CAD systems.
  • Maintains accurate, real time records of calls and incident times.
  • Multitask data entry 30 words per minute with active listening during call processing.
  • Maintains knowledge of and complies with all company policies, procedures, and guidelines at all times.
  • Must maintain a reliable attendance record
  • Completes other duties as requested and assigned

Education:

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Licensure, Certification, Registration:

  • EMD Certification
  • CPR Certification
  • 911 Certification
  • Telecommunicator Certification

Experience:

  • Must have minimal medical training or telecommunications experience, or at least one year of experience as an EMS or Public Safety Dispatcher.
  • Experience with computer systems required, including web-based applications and some Microsoft Office applications preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Excellent verbal communication, communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
  • Ability to speak clearly and concisely, providing detailed information under stressful circumstances.
  • Ability to record, transmit and report information accurately.
  • Analytical skills to gather and interpret data
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion at all times
  • Knowledge of medical terminology preferred, not required.
  • Ability to work in fast-paced environment and multi-task
  • Ability to work well independently and within a team setting

Requirements:

  • Day, Evening, Overnight, Weekends and Holidays may be required.
  • Ability to meet the essential duties and physical, mental and sensory requirements of the position at all times.
  • Comply with UDS drug screening at any and all times
  • Satisfactory background check and MA CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information), verification required annually.

Physical, Mental and Sensory Requirements

  • Primarily sedentary work within an office, computer workstation environment. Fine finger dexterity, repetitive wrist motion regarding computers and dispatch terminal work for prolonged periods of time. Light tasks may require 10-25lbs for lifting, carrying, push-pull. Ability to work in environment with constant phone/radio calls, interruptions, urgent emergency situations. Environment is fast paced, high stress communication center or PSAP. Requires nights, weekends and holidays.

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