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911 Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

About Axon 911 Axon 911 brings together Prepared and Carbyne under Axon. Together, we are creating the only platform that combines modern 911 infrastructure with an AI intelligence layer-helping ...

About Axon 911 Axon 911 brings together Prepared and Carbyne under Axon. Together, we are creating the only platform that combines modern 911 infrastructure with an AI intelligence layer-helping ...

EMT / Paramedic (PRN)

Seatac, WA ยท On-site

$30 - $38/hr

At least 2 years of experience in an emergency setting (e.g., ER department or 911 ambulance service). * 911 experience is required. * Ability to work independently and make critical decisions under ...

EMT / Paramedic (PRN)

Seatac, WA ยท On-site

$30 - $38/hr

At least 2 years of experience in an emergency setting (e.g., ER department or 911 ambulance service). * 911 experience is required. * Ability to work independently and make critical decisions under ...

At least 2 years of experience in an emergency setting (e.g., ER department or 911 ambulance service). * 911 experience is required. * Ability to work independently and make critical decisions under ...

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Showing results 1-20

911 information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$17

$29

$46

How much do 911 jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for 911 in Seattle, WA is $29.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.16 and $33.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 911 operator?

911 operators, also known as emergency dispatchers, are professionals who answer emergency calls and coordinate responses for police, fire, and medical services. They are trained to quickly gather critical information from callers, assess the situation, and dispatch the appropriate help. 911 operators play a vital role in public safety by remaining calm under pressure, providing instructions to callers, and ensuring emergency responders arrive as quickly as possible.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a 911 dispatcher?

To thrive as a 911 Dispatcher, you need strong multitasking abilities, quick decision-making, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional specialized training often required. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communications equipment, and emergency response protocols is essential. Outstanding communication skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure make a dispatcher stand out. These skills ensure accurate, timely emergency response and the safety of both callers and first responders in high-stress situations.

What are common challenges faced by 911 dispatchers, and how can new hires prepare for them?

911 dispatchers often face high-pressure situations where quick thinking and clear communication are critical. Common challenges include handling multiple emergency calls at once, managing distressing or emotional callers, and coordinating effectively with police, fire, and medical units. New hires can prepare by developing strong multitasking skills, practicing active listening, and familiarizing themselves with local protocols. Supportive training and mentorship are typically provided, but resilience and adaptability are key to thriving in this role.

What is the difference between 911 vs Emergency Dispatcher?

Aspect911 OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
CertificationsBasic dispatch training, CPR certificationSimilar certifications, often includes emergency medical training
Work EnvironmentEmergency call centers, public safety agenciesDispatch centers, emergency response agencies
Job RoleAnswering emergency calls, dispatching servicesCoordinating response teams, managing dispatch logistics
Industry UsagePublic safety, law enforcement, fire departmentsEmergency services, ambulance, fire, police

While both roles involve coordinating emergency responses, a 911 operator primarily answers emergency calls and dispatches services, whereas an emergency dispatcher manages the logistics of response teams. The roles often overlap, but the dispatcher may have broader responsibilities in coordinating multiple agencies.

How do you get a job as a 911 operator?

To become a 911 operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete specialized training provided by the hiring agency. Strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and proficiency with computer-aided dispatch systems are essential for the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of 911 jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of 911 jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for 911 jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most 911 job openings:

Infographic showing various 911 job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,419 per year, or $29 per hour.

LATERAL EXPERIENCED Telecommunicator (911 Call-Taker and/or Dispatcher)

Tacoma, WA โ€ข On-site

South Sound 911
Public Safety Statistics Centers and Officesย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

$36 - $45.07/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

SOUTH SOUND 911 LATERAL APPLICATION PROCESS
This position is for individuals who have previous experience in 911 Emergency Services. If you do not have experience as a 911 call-taker or dispatcher, please apply to our entry-level position, instead.
South Sound 911 is seeking experienced 911 telecommunicators to join our team! We have concurrent LATERAL processes for 911 Telecommunicator positions (911 Call-Takers) and Dispatcher positions, with ongoing proposed start dates.
If you are interested in pursuing a Lateral career with South Sound 911, please apply by including your resume and cover letter, detailing the size and call volume of current and past agency employment, along with any other relevant information. Please also complete your personal history statement (PHS) with Public Safety Testing. Your application will not be reviewed until your PHS is complete.
Qualifications for Dispatcher & Call-Taker (Telecommunicator) Positions:
Graduation from high school or equivalent, plus two years of experience involving considerable public contact
and multi-tasking. Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
Candidates must have a minimum 2 years of experience within a 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and performed in the eligible public safety role within the past 3 years, from the date of application.
LATERAL Hiring Process:
  • Application through website, including:
    • Completion/upload of Personal History Statement through Public Safety Testing (online, no cost)
    • Upload Resume & Cover Letter
  • Complete Dispatcher CritiCall Test (online, no cost)
  • Panel Interview (in-person preferred, will accommodate virtual setting as needed)
  • Fingerprinting (in-person)
  • Observation (in-person, can be combined with fingerprinting session)
  • Background Investigation
  • Psychological Assessment (virtual)
  • Position Fit Assessment (online - PXT Select)
  • Final Interviews with Executive Staff (in-person strongly preferred, will accommodate virtual setting as needed)
  • Medical/Drug Screen (in-person, or if out of area, can arrange for local-to-candidate testing)
  • Final Offer

Incentives*:
Lateral candidates meeting the specified requirements and receiving a final offer of employment after completing the hiring process will be eligible receive the following:
  • $500 bonus at time of hire
  • $1000 bonus at year anniversary date ($1500 total incentive paid in 2 installments within first year of employment)

If a Lateral candidate has not actively worked in a 911 public safety position within the past 3 years from the date of application, they will be not be eligible for an incentive.
*Hiring incentive will be paid on the indicated specified schedule, on the first eligible pay date after hire, and beyond as indicated by the schedule. The hiring incentive is subject to all required taxes and withholdings. Retention of full amount of hiring incentive is contingent upon continued employment with agency. If employee leaves at any point prior to their 2-year anniversary, the following repayment schedule will apply;
  • If the employee leaves before their 6-month anniversary of employment, they will be required to repay the initial $500 incentive amount.
  • If the employee leaves before their 2-year anniversary of employment, they will be required to repay $1000 of the total incentive amount.

Starting Salary will be dependent on number of years' experience in a 911 Public Safety Role (call-taking or dispatching), as follows: (note; each position has 5 steps within the associated pay range)
  • < 5 years' experience - Step 2
  • 5-10 years' experience - Step 3
  • 10+ years' experience - Step 4

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact Laura Lakowske @ 253-625-0813 or laura.lakowske@southsound911.org.
South Sound 911 offers the following benefits; https://southsound911.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Benefit-Info-access.pdf