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Call Taker Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

CARFAX

Vice President - CARFAX for Police

Centreville, VA · On-site

$225K - $250K/yr

With CFP positioned for meaningful growth through expanded Public Safety data partnerships (CAD, RMS, Call Taker/Triage, and adjacent feeds), the GM is accountable for scaling the business while ...

Henry's Wrecker Service

Dispatcher

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Has mastered the Role of the Call-Taker & understands the basic procedures for towing and roadside service in order to better assist customers and dispatch effectively. Assist customers in releasing ...

Henry's Wrecker Service

Dispatcher

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

... of the Call-Taker & understands the basic procedures for towing and roadside service in order to better assist customers and dispatch effectively. Ø Assist customers in releasing vehicles by ...

City of Fairfax

Police Dispatcher I

Fairfax, VA

$50K - $81K/yr

Must be able to handle the multi-tasking duties of a call taker or dispatcher in a small dispatch environment. Working knowledge of street system and geography of the City of Fairfax and surrounding ...

Taco Bell

Team Member - 3500 E West HWY

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

... outside order taker (if available) * Daily Operation - Receiving and storage, preventative ... Absences must be held to a minimum and all "call-off" procedures must be strictly followed.

Taco Bell

Team Member - 17380 Dumfries Ave

Dumfries, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

... outside order taker (if available) * Daily Operation - Receiving and storage, preventative ... Absences must be held to a minimum and all "call-off" procedures must be strictly followed.

Taco Bell

Team Member - 362 Maple Ave East

Vienna, VA

$11.25 - $15/hr

... outside order taker (if available) * Daily Operation - Receiving and storage, preventative ... Absences must be held to a minimum and all "call-off" procedures must be strictly followed.

Taco Bell

Team Member - 4045 Branch Ave

Temple Hills, MD

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

... outside order taker (if available) * Daily Operation - Receiving and storage, preventative ... Absences must be held to a minimum and all "call-off" procedures must be strictly followed.

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All JobsCall Taker JobsCall Taker Jobs in Washington

Call Taker information

See Washington salary details

$11

$24

$35

How much do call taker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for call taker in Washington is $24.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do call takers make?

Call takers typically earn an average hourly wage of around $13 to $20, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. Annual salaries generally range from $27,000 to $41,000, with some positions offering additional benefits or shift differentials for night or weekend work.

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

To thrive as a Call Taker, you need strong communication skills, active listening abilities, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with call management systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software, and sometimes basic certifications in emergency call handling are typically required. Excellent multitasking, emotional resilience, and problem-solving skills help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for accurately processing information, ensuring quick response times, and providing effective support to callers in high-pressure situations.

What are call takers?

Call takers are professionals who answer incoming phone calls, typically in emergency services, customer service centers, or dispatch operations. Their primary responsibility is to gather essential information from callers, assess the situation, and relay details to the appropriate department or personnel. In emergency settings, call takers play a critical role in ensuring timely and accurate responses by quickly prioritizing calls and providing instructions when necessary. They must possess strong communication, problem-solving, and multitasking skills to handle high-stress situations effectively.

What does a call taker do?

A call taker is responsible for answering incoming calls, gathering relevant information from callers, and directing them to the appropriate services or personnel. They often work in emergency response centers, customer service, or help desks, using communication skills and sometimes specialized software to document calls accurately.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Call Taker?

Your responsibilities as a call taker are to screen and direct incoming calls to a 911 dispatch center. In this job, you answer the phone and make a judgment about whether the call is an emergency or a non-emergency. You then communicate relevant information to an ambulance, fire department, or law enforcement precinct. Your duties may also include talking with the caller to assess their needs. Call takers can also work for different types of operations, such as taxi companies, auto towing services, and emergency repair service providers.

What are some common challenges faced by Call Takers, and how are they typically addressed within the team?

Call Takers often encounter high-pressure situations, particularly when managing multiple calls during peak hours or handling distressed callers. These challenges are generally addressed through comprehensive training, strong support from supervisors, and established protocols that help prioritize calls efficiently. Many teams also conduct regular debriefings and provide access to mental health resources to help manage stress and maintain well-being. Collaboration and clear communication with dispatchers and other team members are essential to ensure accurate and timely information sharing.

Is it hard to be hired as a 911 dispatcher?

Becoming a 911 dispatcher typically requires completing a training program, passing a background check, and demonstrating strong communication skills. Hiring can be competitive, and candidates often need to meet specific qualifications and sometimes obtain certifications such as Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD).

How much do 911 dispatchers make?

911 dispatchers, also known as emergency call takers, in Chesapeake typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the employer, shift differentials, and additional responsibilities such as handling high-stress situations or operating specialized communication systems.

What is the difference between Call Taker vs Customer Service Representative?

AspectCall TakerCustomer Service Representative
Primary RoleAnswering and routing phone calls, gathering initial informationAssisting customers with inquiries, complaints, and support via phone, email, or chat
Work EnvironmentCall centers, emergency dispatch, healthcareRetail, telecommunications, service industries
Required SkillsCommunication, data entry, multitaskingCommunication, problem-solving, product knowledge
Common CertificationsNone typically required, but customer service or dispatch trainingCustomer service certifications often preferred

While both roles involve communication with customers over the phone, Call Takers primarily focus on answering calls, collecting information, and routing inquiries, often in emergency or dispatch settings. Customer Service Representatives handle a broader range of customer interactions, including resolving issues and providing support across multiple channels. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right role for their skills and career goals.

More about Call Taker jobs
What are popular job titles related to Call Taker jobs in WA? For Call Taker jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Call Taker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Call Taker job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,190 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Loudoun County Government

Leesburg, VA • On-site

$63K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Salary: $63,650.73 - $108,206.24 Annually
Location : Leesburg, VA
Job Type: FT Hourly W BN
Job Number: 27-00697
Department: Fire and Rescue
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Closing Date: 8/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Grade: 121
Loudoun County Government has been named one of Forbes' 2025 Best Large Employers! We're proud to be recognized nationally for our commitment to employee satisfaction and excellence in public service. At Loudoun County, we bring together talented professionals from all backgrounds to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, growing community - that's The Loudoun Difference.
Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government!
ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE RESUME IS CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ONLY. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE OR INDICATE 'SEE RESUME' WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.
Introduction
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue is comprised of approximately 902 employees and 1,127 active operational and administrative volunteers. The Department is a growing organization that serves a large and diverse population located 30 miles northwest of Washington, DC. We provide a full range of emergency and non-emergency services to approximately 400,000 residents within a 520 square mile area. Additional information about the Department can be found at
We seek to hire a highly motivated, effective, and diverse workforce to meet the needs of the County's residents, visitors, and business community, and support the Department's core values of Teamwork, Integrity, Professionalism, and Service. Loudoun County offers a meaningful career, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package. Additional information can be found at
Job Summary
The Department is seeking qualified applicants for regular, full-time positions as a Public Safety Telecommunicator working an average of 42 hours per week in the Emergency Communications Center (ECC).
Duties include but are not limited to: receiving calls from the public and promptly determining the urgency of the call; processing the call efficiently and accurately while maintaining a professional, courteous and reassuring demeanor with the callers; maintain essential knowledge of the CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system; enter data promptly and accurately; maintain status files; maintain knowledge of division procedures, operations and policies; complete daily logs; and perform other tasks as assigned to ensure an effective, efficient and professional Emergency Communications Center. Successful applicants will also be required to participate in scheduled, on-shift training to maintain the knowledge and skills associated with the job. In addition to the advertised salary, there is a night-time differential paid to employees working night shifts.
Hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.
Minimum Qualifications
High School diploma or equivalent; at least two (2) years of work experience in a call center or providing customer service; satisfactory completion of prescribed LCFR training programs (Call Taker and Dispatcher) and certifications (APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator, Priority Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Priority Dispatch Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) and Priority Dispatch Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD)) within the probationary period. See Certifications, License, and Special Requirements.
Preference given to those with NFPA didactic certification, or equivalent, as Firefighter, EMT, and/or certification as Association of Public-Safety Communications Officers (APCO) Public Safety Telecommunicator, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) and Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD).
Job Contingencies and Special Requirements
The selection process will include review of application, verification of certifications and experience, CritiCall computer simulation test, and a panel interview. Also, successful completion of extensive criminal background check (including fingerprinting) and drug screening.
Successful candidates will be required to complete an internal Call Taker AND Dispatcher Recruit school and successfully pass the LCFR Call Taker AND Dispatcher Release test during the probationary period.
Must be able to work rotating shifts, that include days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Some workdays require extended shifts. Current operating schedule is 2 days 0700-1900 followed by 2 nights 1900-0700 then off for 4 days and may be subject to change.
Anticipated timeline and details for this recruitment are listed below. All dates are subject to change.
Applications are accepted through August 9, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
Application Review and candidate testing notification: August 10-12, 2026
In-person Criticall Testing: August 26 & 27, 2026
In-person Interview: September 8 - 10, 2026
Target Hire Date: October 22, 2026
Equal Employment Opportunity
Loudoun County Government prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that promotes employee wellness and work-life balance. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors.
Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should call Human Resources directly at
703-777-0213 or
Loudoun County Government offers a variety of benefits to both regular full time and part time employees. To view the comprehensive benefits package we have to offer you when you join our team, please click
Employees hired into Regular Part-Time Intermittent positions are eligible for limited County employee benefit programs, based on the position's regularly scheduled hours. Benefits eligibility for temporary employees are dependent on duration of assignment and number of scheduled hours.
01
Do you have a High School diploma or equivalent and at least two (2) years of work experience in a call center or providing customer service?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a High School diploma or equivalent and at least one (1) year of work experience in a call center or providing customer service?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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