... 911 center, Division of Emergency Management, and the Division of Public Safety Communications ... Telecommunicator. Must have excellent hearing and eyesight. Must be able to manually enter ...
... 911 center, Division of Emergency Management, and the Division of Public Safety Communications ... Telecommunicator. Must have excellent hearing and eyesight. Must be able to manually enter ...
911 Telecommunicator information
See Indiana salary details
$14.64 - $16.82
6% of jobs
$18.62 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.82 - $19.01
23% of jobs
$19.01 - $21.19
19% of jobs
The median wage is $21.52 / hr.
$21.19 - $23.37
11% of jobs
$23.37 - $25.56
11% of jobs
$26.59 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$25.56 - $27.74
11% of jobs
$27.74 - $29.92
6% of jobs
$29.92 - $32.11
4% of jobs
$32.11 - $34.29
4% of jobs
$34.29 - $36.47
2% of jobs
$36.47 - $38.66
2% of jobs
$14
$24
$38
How much do 911 telecommunicator jobs pay per hour?
As of Jun 11, 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 do 911 dispatchers get paid?
911 telecommunicators typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $50,000, with pay varying based on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced dispatchers in high-demand areas can earn over $60,000 annually.
What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?
A 911 Telecommunicator typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized training and certification; most salaries are lower. High-paying roles without a degree often include sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship, but these vary widely and usually require experience or skills rather than formal education. Generally, reaching $10,000 monthly income without a degree involves roles in sales, trades, or business ownership with significant experience or performance-based pay.
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.
Is it hard to be hired as a 911 dispatcher?
Becoming a 911 telecommunicator can be competitive, as many agencies require candidates to pass background checks, written exams, and sometimes physical or psychological assessments. 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 qualifications do I need to be a 911 dispatcher?
To become a 911 telecommunicator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Some agencies require completion of emergency dispatch training and certification, such as the APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification. Prior experience in customer service or emergency response can be beneficial.
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:
$64K/yr
Other
Posted 22 days ago
Job description
Overview ***INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY*** 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 of Indianapolis 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. Job Summary This position serves as the primary radio communications operator for EMS, fire, and police first responders.
Incumbent in this position is responsible for receiving and evaluating emergency and non-emergency calls for fire, medical, and police services agencies. Incumbent monitors assigned radio channels and coordinate all radio communications as necessary, including dispatching appropriate units and following established protocols. The incumbent may be required to initiate necessary call handling procedures, such as EMD instructions, and provide appropriate pre-arrival and medical instructions on medical calls.
911 Control Operators are responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency radio traffic and function as a critical part of every incident by facilitating requests and ensuring procedures and protocols are followed. The incumbent in this position follows established policies, procedures, rules, and regulations in handling emergency calls and incidents. Incumbent must rely on training and experience when an incident falls outside of established standards of operations.
Position reports to the Shift Supervisor. Equal Employment Opportunity The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. 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 requests received via telephone, radio, or in person Remains apprised of all fire, EMS, and police officials within the authority of the 911 Center for the county Enters information into CAD, VESTA, Map, EMSystem, Location, or other systems accurately Acquires and maintains certifications as required by the division Operates CAD, Motorola MC7500, Locution, EMSystem, VESTA Telephone, VESTA Mapping, recording, and monitoring devices Operates specialized platforms and technology systems for informational checks and requests to include CJIS associate systems, wrecker ordering systems, and report database systems to include records management system access 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 and must be certified and trained as a Telecommunicator. Must have excellent hearing and eyesight.
Must be able to manually enter information into various systems by keyboard typing and be capable of physically sitting for long periods at an assigned workstation. Must be able to pass a full-scope background investigation, including psychological and physical examinations. Cannot be convicted of a felony and most misdemeanor crimes which involved moral turpitude.
Must be eligible to attain IDACS certification and maintain certification. Must be able to ensure the effective treatment of customers, whether face-to-face or telephonically, in a professional and courteous manner. Control Operators must be able to acquire and maintain EMD certification, APCO PST1or department equivalent, and CPR certification within one (1) year of hire date.
Must pass critical assessment test and certification courses successfully to complete the MESA Communications training program. Must be able to read a map and provide directions, monitor road and weather conditions, and make necessary adjustments. 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
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