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Communications Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MedStar Health

Communications Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40 - $29.74/hr

About the Job General Summary of Position Operates hospital switchboard provides visitors and callers appropriate routine information and providing telephone communication service regarding the ...

U.S. Army

Communications Operator

Las Vegas, NV

Company Description Full and Part time positions available, full time comes with medial, dental insurance, housing, food allowance, and educational benefits. Call/Text 702-349-3565 Additional ...

Marylandconnect

$21.75/hr

JR101955 Police Communications Operator (Open) Department: FSU University Police, Police Commun Oper, Lead | JM Position Type: Temporary (Fixed Term) Open Date: 06-29-2026 Close Date: $21.75/hour ...

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Communications Operator information

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$10

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How much do communications operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 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.

Is it hard to become a 911 dispatcher?

Becoming a communications operator or 911 dispatcher typically requires completing a training program, passing a background check, and often obtaining certification. The job can be demanding due to the need for quick decision-making, multitasking, and handling stressful situations, but the difficulty varies based on individual skills and training programs.

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.

Where do 911 dispatchers make the most money?

911 dispatchers tend to earn higher salaries in regions with larger populations and higher costs of living, such as urban areas or states with higher average wages. Factors like experience, certifications, and the size of the agency also influence pay rates, with some jurisdictions offering overtime and shift differentials that increase overall earnings.

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 high paying jobs in communications?

High paying jobs in communications include roles such as public relations managers, corporate communications directors, and media executives, which often require strong leadership skills and advanced degrees. These positions typically offer higher salaries due to their strategic importance and responsibility levels, especially in large organizations or industries like technology, finance, and healthcare.

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 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 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 does a communication operator do?

A communication operator manages and monitors communication systems such as radios, telephones, and data networks to ensure effective information flow. They respond to emergency calls, relay messages, and maintain communication equipment, often working in control rooms or dispatch centers. Strong communication skills and technical knowledge of communication tools are essential for this role.
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Communications Operator jobs near you
Communications Operator

Communications Operator

MedStar Health

Washington, DC • On-site

$18.40 - $29.74/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Medstar Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 238 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 880 rated healthcare providers

Job description

About the Job
General Summary of Position
Operates hospital switchboard provides visitors and callers appropriate routine information and providing telephone communication service regarding the hospital and its patients. Serves customers efficiently and follows customer service guidelines and principles. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital's philosophy policies procedures and standards.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Answers queries and inquiries and processes and directs incoming and outgoing calls.
  • Sends regular emergency conference visiting hours ending and information desk closing pages via intercom and beeper.
  • Uses terminals to obtain patient and doctor information in accordance with department standards.
  • Keeps records of house staff signing in and out time of return and coverage during absence for proper pager coverage. Places wakeup calls to doctors and maintains sign-out sheets. Makes up schedules for on-call doctors by month and keeps them current in accordance with department standards. Keeps records and schedules of doctors and other personnel on duty each evening and for the month.
  • Keeps patient-related information up to date with current admissions discharges and transfers.
  • Files telephone sheets on patients when they are admitted and removes same sheets on date of discharge.

Minimal Qualifications
Education
  • High School Diploma or GED required

Experience
  • Approximately six months switchboard and/or receptionist related duties required

Knowledge Skills and Abilities
  • Verbal and written communication typing.
  • Strong customer services skills.

This position has a hiring range of
USD $18.40 - USD $29.74 /Hr.

What Medstar Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

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About Medstar Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MD, US

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