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911 Telecommunicator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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911 Telecommunicator information

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$14

$24

$38

How much do 911 telecommunicator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for 911 telecommunicator in Indiana is $24.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much is a 911 dispatcher paid?

The average salary for a 911 telecommunicator or dispatcher in the United States ranges from $35,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and agency. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced dispatchers or those in high-cost areas can earn higher wages, often supplemented with shift differentials and overtime opportunities.

How to become a 911 dispatcher with no experience?

To become a 911 dispatcher with no experience, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a dispatcher training program, and pass a background check. Strong communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and familiarity with emergency call systems are also important for entry-level candidates.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by 911 Telecommunicators, and how are they addressed on the job?

911 Telecommunicators often face the challenge of managing high-stress situations, such as handling multiple emergency calls simultaneously or dealing with callers in distress. They must remain calm and focused to accurately gather information and dispatch appropriate emergency services quickly. Agencies typically provide comprehensive training, ongoing support, and access to counseling services to help telecommunicators cope with stress. Additionally, teamwork and clear communication with field responders are essential to ensure effective outcomes and minimize errors during critical incidents.

What is the difference between a 911 dispatcher and a telecommunicator?

A 911 telecommunicator is a professional who answers emergency calls, gathers information, and dispatches appropriate emergency services. The term 'dispatcher' often refers to the same role, but 'telecommunicator' emphasizes the communication aspect and may include additional responsibilities like radio communication and data entry; both roles require training, certification, and the ability to handle high-stress situations.

Is it hard to be hired as a 911 dispatcher?

Becoming a 911 dispatcher can be competitive, as many agencies require candidates to pass background checks, written exams, and sometimes psychological evaluations. Relevant skills include communication, multitasking, and stress management, and some positions may require certification or training programs before employment.

What are 911 Telecommunicators?

911 Telecommunicators, also known as emergency dispatchers, are professionals who answer emergency calls and dispatch the appropriate emergency services, such as police, fire, or medical assistance. They are responsible for quickly gathering critical information from callers, providing instructions, and coordinating response teams. Their work is essential in ensuring that help reaches people in crisis situations as efficiently as possible. 911 Telecommunicators must remain calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and think quickly to make life-saving decisions.

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

To thrive as a 911 Telecommunicator, you need strong multitasking abilities, quick decision-making skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring specialized emergency communications training. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and sometimes certifications like APCO or NENA are typically used in this role. Exceptional communication, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate, timely dispatch of emergency services and maintaining public safety in high-stress situations.
What are popular job titles related to 911 Telecommunicator jobs in Indiana? For 911 Telecommunicator jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching 911 Telecommunicator jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for 911 Telecommunicator jobs in Indiana are:
911 Telecommunicator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 911 Telecommunicator job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,491 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

911 Telecommunicator

City of Indianapolis and Marion County

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$56K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Overview The purpose and mission of the Metropolitan Emergency Services Agency is to provide operation and management of the Division of Emergency Communications - 911 center, Division of Emergency Management, and the Division of Public Safety Communications - technology infrastructure to the City's Indianapolis metropolitan areas and Marion County.The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County. This position is responsible for dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for services for either EMS & Fire or Police Services. The position is not dual trained for dispatching both EMS, Fire, and Police services

The Incumbent is responsible for receiving and evaluating emergency and non-emergency calls for fire, medical, or police services agencies dependent on the telecommunicator's area of expertise and training. The incumbent dispatches appropriate units and following established protocols. Incumbent is required to direct emergency and non-emergency calls for service to fire, EMS, and police telecommunicators when unable to provide the necessary assistance to the caller due to training limitations.

Incumbent is responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency radio traffic and function as a critical part of every incident by facilitating request and insuring procedures and protocol are followed. Incumbent follows the required knowledge of established policies and procedures, which controls most of the actions in this position. Incumbent must also rely on training and experience in cases when an incident falls outside of established standard operating procedures.Incumbent must be able to quickly assess any incident, determine the necessary response and be able to summons supervisory assistance when needed

Incumbent in this position shift may vary. Position reports to the Supervisor, Shift. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve. Position Responsibilities Processes emergency and non-emergency calls received via telephone while remaining apprised of all Fire, EMS, or Police officials within the jurisdiction of the 911 Center for Marion County Follows established policies, procedures, rules and regulations in handling emergency calls and incidents with specific focus to their trained operational field of Fire, EMS, or Police operations within the 911 Center Enters information into CAD, VESTA, Map, EMSystem, Locution and/or other systems used accurately Acquires and maintains necessary certifications as required by the division Operates CAD, Motorola MC7500, Locution, EMSystem, VESTA Telephone, VESTA Mapping, recording, and monitoring devices Must maintain confidentiality at all times This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent. Must be 18 years of age or greater.

Must have excellent hearing & eyesight, be able to manually enter information into various systems by keyboard typing and capable of physically sitting for long periods of time at an assigned workstation. Must be able to pass a full scope background investigation to include a psychological and physical examinations. Cannot be convicted of a felony and most misdemeanor crimes which involved moral turpitude.

Must be able to ensure the effective treatment of customers whether face to face or telephonically in a professional and courteous manner. Telecommunicator I, EMS, and Fire operations positions must be able to acquire and maintain EMD certification, APCO PST1or department equivalent and CPR certification within 1 year of hire date. Must pass Critical assessment test, all certification courses and successfully complete the MESA Communications training program.

Must be able to read a map and provide directions, monitor road, weather conditions, and make necessary adjustments. Must be able to hear effectively. Attention to detail is required each all or transmission, every day.

Must be able to communicate effectively as diligence is required for every transmission, every day. Must be able to work under extremely stressful conditions. The dispatch center is open 24 hours, seven days a week, including holidays.

This position's shift (i.e., early, middle, or late) will be assigned based on the agency's current needs. NOTICE: Email notifications related to application status and CritiCall testing have commonly been sorted into applicants' junk/spam emails - after applying, please be sure to check your junk/spam folders periodically for notifications. Thank you

Working Conditions Essential functions are regularly performed in an office setting without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Physical Conditions Sitting at a desk the majority of the day Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10) pounds Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or workstation Tasks require the ability to perceive and hear sounds and see visual cues or signals Tasks require the ability to communicate orally

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