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Communications Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Communications Operator

Rapid City, SD · On-site

$17.62 - $20.25/hr

Maintains direct radio communications with Plant Operations and Security. Operates the pocket paging system. Each operator shall be responsible for understanding the outlined responsibilities and ...

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Communications Operator information

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$10

$23

$44

How much do communications operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for communications operator in the United States is $23.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Communications Operator?

A communications operator, also known as an emergency operator, is responsible for answering phone calls from the public about potential emergencies and directing emergency services to the caller’s location as necessary. Your job duties include gathering information from callers, dispatching the appropriate police, fire or ambulance personnel, and coordinating across various emergency personnel. A career as a communications operator does not require you have extensive qualifications or education; typically a high school diploma or GED certificate will suffice. To excel in this position, you need strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

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

To thrive as a Communications Operator, you need strong verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with radio dispatch systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software, and emergency communication protocols is important. Calmness under pressure, multitasking, and effective decision-making are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring accurate information relay, rapid response times, and public safety in critical situations.

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

Communications Operators often encounter high-pressure scenarios, such as handling multiple emergency calls or coordinating responses with first responders. Staying calm and organized is essential; using established protocols and checklists can help ensure nothing is overlooked. Effective multitasking and clear communication with team members are crucial for accurate information relay. Regular training and debriefings also support operators in managing stress and improving performance during critical incidents.

What are Communications Operators?

Communications Operators are professionals responsible for receiving, transmitting, and relaying information within organizations, often in emergency or public safety settings. They typically answer emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch the appropriate personnel or resources, and maintain detailed records of all communications. Their work is crucial for ensuring timely response and coordination among teams such as police, fire, and medical services. Strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and proficiency with communication technology are key requirements for this role.

What is the difference between Communications Operator vs Radio Dispatcher?

AspectCommunications OperatorRadio Dispatcher
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in radio operationHigh school diploma; certifications in radio communication often preferred
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, call centers, or communication hubsField sites, transportation hubs, emergency services
Industry UsageTelecommunications, transportation, emergency servicesPublic safety, transportation, logistics

Communications Operators and Radio Dispatchers both handle communication tasks, but Communications Operators typically work in centralized control rooms managing various communication systems, while Radio Dispatchers are more involved in field-based radio communication, often in emergency or transportation settings. Both roles require strong communication skills and certifications in radio operation, but their work environments and specific duties differ.

What cities are hiring for Communications Operator jobs? Cities with the most Communications Operator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Communications Operator jobs? The top employers for Communications Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Communications Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Communications Operator jobs include:
Communications Operator

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


CommonSpirit Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 500 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

403rd of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities
As a Communications Professional, you will be a dynamic, essential voice, ensuring clear, consistent, and compelling communication across all channels to engage stakeholders and uphold our brand.
Every day, you will execute vital communication tasks, managing platforms, drafting content, and operating systems to ensure timely information dissemination. You'll also contribute to strategy by monitoring effectiveness and supporting campaigns to enhance messaging and reach.
To be successful in this role, you will possess exceptional written/verbal communication, technical proficiency with tools, meticulous attention to detail, adaptability, and proactivity, ensuring impactful connections with diverse audiences.
  • Assist customers in obtaining information, and services.
  • Work with all levels of personnel and physicians to utilize effective customer service skills to provide assistance and handle problem situations.
  • Demonstrates skills and ability to operate department equipment, and Performs operational tasks including Pager exchanges.
  • Demonstrates skills and ability to process diverse requests for information including incoming and outgoing calls, as well as emergency/disaster alerting.
  • Demonstrates skills and ability to activate Health System and Departmental emergency plans including fire safety, medical emergency (code blue), and disaster and hurricane weather, as required.
  • Demonstrates skills and ability to operate emergency communications equipment including telephone and paging notification systems.
Job RequirementsRequired
  • High School Graduate General Studies, upon hire or
  • High School GED General Studies, upon hire
  • None, upon hire

Where You'll Work

St. Luke's Health-The Vintage Hospital is 106 bed facility that is nationally-recognized for providing high-quality, compassionate care to Northwest Houston communities including Willowbrook, Champions and Tomball. With the resources and expertise of the St. Luke's Health system, St. Luke's-The Vintage offers the latest advancements in diagnostic and surgical services, including heart care, lung health and orthopedics. St. Luke's Health is a member of CommonSpirit.

Qualifications:Required
  • High School Graduate General Studies, upon hire or
  • High School GED General Studies, upon hire
  • None, upon hire

Employment Type: Full Time

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