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Communication Operator Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

... operating environment. 3. Drives the execution of all phases of the communications process, including conception, implementation, and measurement. Leads day-to-day communication activities. 4. ...

... operating environment. 3. Drives the execution of all phases of the communications process, including conception, implementation, and measurement. Leads day-to-day communication activities. 4. ...

NCCCO Crane Operator 1st Shift $2,500 New Hire Bonus Overview Greiner Industries is seeking a ... communications contracting solutions for the commercial, industrial, residential and renewable ...

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Communication Operator information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$10

$23

$44

How much do communication operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for communication operator in Pennsylvania is $23.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $26.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges communication operators face during high-pressure situations, and how can they effectively manage them?

Communication Operators often encounter high-pressure scenarios, such as emergency calls or critical incidents, where quick thinking and calm decision-making are essential. Managing multiple calls, relaying accurate information, and prioritizing tasks can be challenging when the workload spikes. To handle these situations effectively, operators rely on strong organizational skills, thorough training in protocols, and support from their team. Regular debriefings and ongoing professional development also help operators improve their stress management and communication abilities.

What is a communication operator?

Communication Operators are professionals responsible for managing and directing communications within an organization or between organizations and the public. They operate communication equipment such as radios, telephones, and computers to dispatch information, relay messages, and coordinate responses, especially in emergency situations. Communication Operators play a critical role in ensuring that information is accurately and efficiently transmitted to the right parties. Their work is essential in fields like emergency services, security, transportation, and large organizations where constant communication is necessary.

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

To excel as a Communication Operator, you need strong verbal and written communication skills, quick decision-making abilities, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with radio dispatch systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software, and emergency response protocols is typically required. Exceptional multitasking, stress management, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate information relay, effective coordination, and timely response in high-pressure situations.

What is the difference between Communication Operator vs Radio Dispatcher?

AspectCommunication OperatorRadio Dispatcher
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certifications varySimilar requirements; often includes specialized radio operation training
Work EnvironmentCall centers, customer service, emergency communication centersEmergency services, transportation hubs, public safety agencies
Employer & IndustryTelecom companies, emergency services, government agenciesPolice, fire departments, transit authorities
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for communication roles in customer service or emergency responseCompared for roles involving dispatching and radio communication in public safety

Communication Operators and Radio Dispatchers share similar skills in radio communication and customer service, but they differ mainly in their work environments and specific responsibilities. Communication Operators often handle general communication tasks in call centers or customer service, while Radio Dispatchers focus on coordinating emergency or transportation services via radio. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital in their respective industries.

What job categories do people searching Communication Operator jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Communication Operator jobs in Pennsylvania are:
Infographic showing various Communication Operator job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,598 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Police Communications Operator

State of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA • On-site

$49K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


State Of Pennsylvania rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 175 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 50 rated states


Job description

Salary: $49,948.00 - $75,298.00 Annually
Location : Washington County, PA
Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number: N-2026-55553
Department: Pennsylvania State Police
Division: SP Stf Srvs Unt Washington
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 8/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 73020
Position Number: Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: A1
Pay Group: ST05
Bureau / Division Code: 00201211
Bureau / Division: Troop B, Washington
Worksite Address: 150 State Route 519
City: Eighty Four, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 15330
Contact Name: PSP Human Resource Civilian Placement
Contact Email: RA-SPSPCIVILPLCMT@pa.gov
THE POSITION
Are you ready to take on a fast-paced role as a Police Communications Operator with the Pennsylvania State Police? This position places you at the center of public safety by helping coordinate responses to important incidents. You support troopers and community partners by relaying clear, accurate information. Your work helps keep the public safe and operations running smoothly.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on receiving, transmitting, and coordinating critical communications that support daily police operations. The role requires clear decision-making, dependable communication skills, and attention to detail during active incidents. As a Police Communications Operator, you will perform the following duties:
  • Call Handling: Receive and prioritize calls, gather details, and relay information to troopers and response partners
  • Incident Coordination: Communicate with police, fire, ambulance, and other agencies to support timely responses
  • Record Management: Use the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN), the Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET), and other systems to access, research, maintain, and update incident records
  • Public Assistance: Respond to inquiries from the public and assist visitors by providing information or contacting a trooper
  • Training Support: Participate in safety communications training and assist in training new operators
  • Continuity Response: Follow emergency plans and report to alternate locations when directed during major incidents

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
  • Full-time employment, 40-hour work week
  • Work hours involve rotating shifts, which include weekends and holidays.
  • Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
  • Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
  • Two years of experience using two-way radio, multi-line telephone, or computer aided dispatch systems; or
  • Two years of experience using computer systems for entering, updating, and retrieving information; or
  • Completion of 60 college credits; or
  • An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:
  • You must possess a clear, firm voice and no major speech, hearing, or visual impairments that would interfere with understanding verbal communication, being understood, or using electronic communications equipment and visual display equipment.
  • You must obtain an active Public Safety Telecommunicator certification issued by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
  • You must obtain active Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certifications issued by the Pennsylvania State Police within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.

Additional Requirement:
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:
  • This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a Report of Medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer.
  • You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

How to Apply:
  • Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
  • If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
  • Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
  • All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:
  • Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
  • 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
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Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
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*Eligibility rules apply.
01
How many years of full-time experience using two-way radio, multi-line telephone, or computer aided dispatch systems do you possess?
  • 2 years or more
  • 1 but less than 2 years
  • Less than 1 year
  • None

02
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03
How many years of full-time experience using computer systems for entering, updating, and retrieving information do you possess?
  • 2 years or more
  • 1 but less than 2 years
  • Less than 1 year
  • None

04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
How many semester credits of college coursework have you completed?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
  • 60 credits or more
  • 30 but less than 60 credits
  • Less than 30 credits
  • None

06
How many years of paraprofessional or technical experience do you possess?
  • 2 years or more
  • 1 but less than 2 years
  • Less than 1 year
  • None

07
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
Required Question

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About State of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Pennsylvania, based in Harrisburg, PA, US, functions as the state government entity to serve and govern the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The State of Pennsylvania operates in the governmental industry, and its official website is accessible at pa.gov. In terms of its offerings, it is tasked with providing a myriad of crucial public services encompassing areas such as health, education, transportation, public safety, to name just a few. Founded in 1787, it has the primary mission of serving the people of Pennsylvania through responsible leadership, effective planning, and high-level execution of public policies and programs.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Harrisburg, PA, US

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