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Emergency Communications Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$40K - $52K/yr

The Emergency Communications Operator is responsible for receiving prioritizing and dispatching calls for emergency services via emergency and non-emergency phone lines; interrogating callers for ...

Description The City of Visalia Police Department is recruiting for Communications Operator ... As an Emergency Services employee, the applicant must be available for all shifts including nights ...

COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

Visalia, CA · On-site

$63K - $79K/yr

As an Emergency Services employee, the applicant must be available for all shifts including nights ... Communications Operators certified and assigned as "Communications Training Officers" will receive ...

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Emergency Communications Operator information

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$30K

$48.5K

$62K

How much do emergency communications operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for emergency communications operator in the United States is $48,539.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Emergency Communications Operator, you need strong decision-making abilities, multitasking skills, clear verbal communication, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and sometimes certifications such as APCO or NENA are typically required. High emotional resilience, calmness under pressure, and active listening are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure efficient emergency response, accurate information relay, and public safety during critical incidents.

What is the difference between Emergency Communications Operator vs 911 Dispatcher?

AspectEmergency Communications Operator911 Dispatcher
CredentialsCPR certification, communication trainingCPR certification, communication training
Work EnvironmentCall centers, emergency response centersCall centers, emergency response centers
Industry UsagePublic safety, emergency servicesPublic safety, emergency services

Emergency Communications Operators and 911 Dispatchers often share similar roles, including handling emergency calls and providing critical information. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, and both require similar certifications and work in comparable environments. The main difference is that '911 Dispatcher' is a more specific term used primarily in the United States, while 'Emergency Communications Operator' can be a broader term used in various regions. Overall, they perform the same essential functions in emergency response systems.

What are Emergency Communications Operators?

Emergency Communications Operators, also known as 911 dispatchers, are professionals responsible for receiving and processing emergency and non-emergency calls. They gather essential information from callers, dispatch the appropriate emergency services such as police, fire, or medical personnel, and provide critical instructions to callers until help arrives. These operators play a vital role in public safety by remaining calm under pressure, multitasking efficiently, and communicating clearly during stressful situations.

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

Emergency Communications Operators often encounter high-pressure situations, such as handling multiple emergency calls simultaneously or relaying critical information during crises. These challenges require quick thinking, emotional resilience, and the ability to prioritize tasks efficiently. Many operators use techniques like structured protocols, teamwork, and regular stress-management training to maintain composure and accuracy. Support from supervisors and colleagues, as well as ongoing professional development, also play key roles in helping operators navigate these demanding scenarios.
More about Emergency Communications Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Emergency Communications Operator jobs? Cities with the most Emergency Communications Operator job openings:
What states have the most Emergency Communications Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Emergency Communications Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Emergency Communications Operator jobs? For Emergency Communications Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Emergency Communications Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,539 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Emergency Communications Operator Per Diem

St. Luke's Health Network, Inc.

Bethlehem, PA

$42K - $54K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St.

Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care. The Emergency Communications Operator is responsible for receiving prioritizing and dispatching calls for emergency services via emergency and non-emergency phone lines; interrogating callers for pertinent details of event; entering accurate and concise data utilizing CAD system, alert tones, pagers, and radio notification.

Ensures timely relay of information on the nature of the call, location information and additional instructions via radio directly to units responding, while simultaneously tracking responses, times, units status updates and notes. This person is also responsible to take transport request and seek pre-approved transport authorization for the transport request. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide telecommunications grounded in excellent customer service, providing service to both external and internal customers.

Provides direction to SLETS staff members during the course of the day to ensure all emergency and non-emergency calls are handled in a timely manner. Schedule and dispatch patient transport crews, equipment, or services to appropriate locations according to customer requests, specifications, or needs, using radios or telephones Relay dispatch assignments, messages, and information to or from patient transport crews, and supervisory staff using telephones or two-way radios. Prepare daily work and run schedules.

Monitor personnel and/or equipment locations and system utilization in order to coordinate service and schedules. Determine levels of service, amount of equipment, vehicles, materials, or personnel required to satisfy the request for service in a safe and efficient manner. Determine and assign the level of priority of the call and enter the data into a computer-aided dispatch system for dispatch purposes.

Monitor and operate a radio console. Record and maintain files of requests for service, missed call requests, and other system status information. Enter and modify information into local, state and national computer databases.

Confer with customers and supervisory staff in order to address questions, problems, and requests for service or equipment. Maintain and understand jurisdictional boundaries, as well as thoroughfares, landmarks, public buildings and waterways within the response jurisdiction and facilities that are normally serviced or destination locations. Arrange for necessary repairs and appropriate allocation of assets in order to restore service and schedules.

Maintain knowledge of rules, regulations, and procedures, including safety procedures for the purpose of assigning the appropriate response level to the service request. (Policies and procedures may refer to department policies and procedures related to emergency communications and disaster and special response plans.) Advise duty personnel and supervisory staff about traffic problems such as construction areas, accidents, congestion, weather conditions, and other hazards. Provide daily monitoring and status updates of tasks assigned to the patient transport crews to ensure that patient care documentation is received within the time standards as outlined by departmental and State Licensure Policy.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: Sitting 8 hours per day; 3 hours at a time. Stand up to 1 hour per day; 30 minutes at a time. Walk up to 2 hours per day; 20 minutes at a time.

Continuously fingering and handling for data entry, typing, etc. and occasional twisting and turning. Occasionally lift up to 20 lbs.

Occasionally carry up to 15 lbs. Frequently stoops, bends, or reaches above shoulder level to retrieve files. Must be able to perceive attributes of an object through touch.

Must be able to hear as it relates to normal conversation. Must be able to see as it relates to general, near, far, color, peripheral vision and vision monotony. EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent required.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Emergency Medical Dispatch certification (Preferred) Successfully completed NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800 on line training. Obtain future additional card courses, certifications or other training requirements as dictated by the positional requirements. Maintain certifications and requirements and continuing educational requirements as designated.

Experience in computer operations. Previous experience in health care/ambulance billing; radio communication skills; office skills including typing, filing, bookkeeping. Experience taking and recording minutes of meetings; excellent organizational skills; pleasant telephone manner.

Ability to perform job with a minimum of direct supervision. Please complete your application using your full legal name and current home address. Be sure to include employment history for the past seven (7) years, including your present employer.

Additionally, you are encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and licenses, if applicable. It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application. Thank you for your interest in St.

Luke's!! St. Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.