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911 Telecommunicator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gaston County, NC

911 Telecommunicator I

Gastonia, NC · On-site

$22.45 - $26.66/hr

Communications (911) provides 24-hour coverage of emergency 911 calls and radio transmissions. The Unit is charged with maintaining and operating the computer-aided dispatch system for police, fire ...

Village of Glenview

TELECOMMUNICATOR

Glenview, IL · On-site

$65K/yr

Glenview Public Safety Dispatch Center believes in providing that absolute best-in-class 911 ... Aside for the core tasks of a Telecommunicator noted below, GPSDC provides public education for our ...

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How much do 911 telecommunicator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for 911 telecommunicator in the United States is $25.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $29.33 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.
More about 911 Telecommunicator jobs
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911 Telecommunicator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 911 Telecommunicator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,061 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

911 TELECOMMUNICATOR

County Of Northumberland

Sunbury, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Amenities:
The County of Northumberland offers a full benefits package to employees including health insurance, prescription, vision, dental, vacation, holiday, sick, personal time, and retirement.
Position Summary:
Under general supervision, responds to emergency and non-emergency calls; Updates emergency response information to improve response services, dispatch Police, Fire, Ambulance, EMA and other agencies located in Northumberland County.
What You'll Do:
  • Responds to emergency and non-emergency 911 calls; evaluate and determine emergency response; obtain information from caller and inputs information into computer aided dispatch (CAD) to assist emergency personnel; access Help maps, run cards, box alerts and other resources to determine location of the nearest help.
  • Enters, updates and retrieves information from a wide variety of computer systems in a timely manner.
  • Provides EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) as required with the current software used.
  • Coordinates police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency requests and provides all information received from the caller as quickly as possible to all emergency responders.
  • Transmits and receives messages between police, fire, ambulance, EMA, and other county agencies; monitors dispatched units and, when necessary, serves as a liaison with the caller and records results into computer aided dispatch (CAD) system.
  • Access CLEAN/NCIC systems to obtain and verify information from government databases through the CAD system and/or SCOPE.
  • Attending continuing in-service training and education.
  • confers with management to gain knowledge of specific work situations requiring employees to better understand changes in policies, procedures, regulations, and technologies.
  • other duties as deemed necessary by the shift supervisor.

Job Requirements/Skills & Abilities:
  • Demonstrate attention to detail.
  • Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; Gather and analyze information skillfully.
  • Manage difficult or emotional caller situations; responds promptly to callers needs; responds to requests for service and assistance.
  • Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; keep emotions under control.
  • Speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; respond well to questions.
  • Write clearly and informatively; be able to read and interpret written information.
  • Communicate changes effectively.
  • Accept feedback from others.
  • Treat people with respect and with integrity and ethically.
  • Follow policies and procedures and completes administrative tasks correctly and on time.
  • React well under pressure; accept responsibility for own actions.
  • Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness.
  • Observe safety and security procedures; Report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment and materials properly.
  • Able to deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events.
  • Is consistently at work and on time.
  • Volunteer readily; seek increased responsibilities.
  • Generate suggestions for improving work.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and or ability required. reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of an organization.
  • Ability to add and subtract 2 digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10s and 100s. ability to perform these operations in units of weight, measurement, volume, and distance
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office spreadsheet software and Microsoft Office word processing software and the ability to type 25 wpm.
  • Regularly required to sit; Use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. the employee is occasionally required to stand. the employee must occasionally lift and/ or move up to 50 pounds. specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

Minimum Training & Experience:
  • Must possess a high school diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • The following certifications are required and must be maintained throughout employment:
  • APCO basic telecommunicator certification
  • PEMA Call taker, Police, Fire, EMS and EMA dispatching
  • CPR certification
  • PowerPhone (EMD) certification
  • CLEAN/NCIC Scope certification
  • JNET certification
  • NIMS certification

Employment Category:
  • Full Time

The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to successfully do the job.

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