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Emergency Communications Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Communications Operator City of Edinburg in Edinburg, TX is actively seeking a dedicated ... When you are not out in the city, you assist in communicating with emergency personnel, obtaining ...

Communications Operator

Edinburg, TX ยท On-site

$18.95/hr

Communications Operator City of Edinburg in Edinburg, TX is actively seeking a dedicated ... When you are not out in the city, you assist in communicating with emergency personnel, obtaining ...

Communications Operator

Kenosha, WI ยท On-site

$16.25 - $24.50/hr

The Communications Operator creates an exceptional impression of Froedtert South in all ... emergency code calls procedures and performing mail room functions and clerical duties as assigned.

Communications Operator

Kenosha, WI ยท On-site

$16.25 - $24.50/hr

The Communications Operator creates an exceptional impression of Froedtert South in all ... emergency code calls procedures and performing mail room functions and clerical duties as assigned.

COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

Burbank, CA ยท On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Under general supervision, to answer emergency (911) and non-emergency phone lines, to maintain ... Essential Functions Serves as an Operator in the BPD Communications Center on a shift basis ...

COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

Burbank, CA ยท On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Under general supervision, to answer emergency (911) and non-emergency phone lines, to maintain ... Essential Functions Serves as an Operator in the BPD Communications Center on a shift basis ...

The Communications Operator, under direct supervision, responds to all 911 emergency and non-emergency incoming calls for Police, Fire, and EMS The incumbent prioritizes the calls and dispatches ...

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Emergency Communications Operator information

See salary details

$30K

$48.5K

$62K

How much do emergency communications operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 Dispatcher

Montgomery Personnel Board - Emergency Communications

Montgomery, AL โ€ข On-site

$20.75 - $35.33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Salary Information

Compensation plans are based on a multi-step progression system. The pay range reflects the entry level and maximum salary potential in the assigned pay grade. \r\n**A starting salary may be negotiated and will be commensurate with education, training and experience in alignment with pay administration policies and Montgomery Personnel Board Rules & Regulations** \r\n

Nature of Work

The fundamental reason this\r\nposition exists is to perform the technical work needed to process calls for\r\nemergency and non-emergency assistance, and to dispatch fire and police responders\r\nto those requests for services. The work responsibilities of this position\r\ninclude answering emergency and administrative calls, providing pre-arrival and\r\npost-dispatch instructions as warranted, and dispatching the most appropriate\r\nemergency response personnel using a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and a\r\nland mobile radio network. Employees in this position\r\nwill learn to dispatch radio systems for fire and police. Emergency Communications\r\nDispatchers are direct reports to the Emergency Communications Supervisor.\r\n

Minimum Qualifications

\r\n\r\nA high school diploma or GED, and two (2) years of medical, fire, or police dispatch experience, or one (1) year of experience working as a communications operator with a public safety organization using a computer-aided dispatch system (CAD) is a must. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNOTE: Qualifying education, training, and experience that provide the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job will be considered.\r\n\r\n

Special Requirements

Applicant must be at least 18\r\nyears of age, must be able to type at least 32 wpm, and must sign a willingness\r\nstatement. As a condition of continued\r\nemployment, you must pass a criminal background check (to include criminal and\r\ndriving history reviews) and a drug test.\r\nYou must be willing to respond to the Emergency Communications Center to\r\nmeet community service expectations, during emergencies, disasters, and other\r\nsignificant events, adhering to directives from organizational leadership\r\nThe City of Montgomery's Emergency Communications Center\r\noperates around the clock, every day of the year. Successful candidates will\r\nneed to be available for shifts outside typical business hours, including\r\nweekends and most holidays. However, employees are compensated accordingly for\r\ntheir flexibility and dedication.\r\n

Kind of Examination

Applications are being accepted to fill current vacancies and any other vacancies that may occur during the life of the register. The current vacanciesare with theCity of Montgomery Emergency Communications Department.Applicants will be screened and qualified based upon education and experience as shown on the application. For this reason, applicants are urged to fill in the application form completely providing detailed information concerning the kinds of jobs they have held, the dates they held them, where and exactly what their duties were. Based on the number of vacancies, if there are enough qualified applications received, a selection procedure will beadministered to rank applicants on the register. Tied scores will not be broken. If there are not enough qualified applicants, they will be considered equally qualified and placed on the register in alphabetical order.\r\nComplete an online application by visitingMontgomery Personnel Board's Online Employment Center. Paper applications are no longer accepted. Completed applications will be accepted online until 11:59 p.m. on the closing date. If there is no closing date, the announcement may be closed at any time without prior notice.\r\n

Additional Information

\r\n\r\nBENEFITS:Employees are offered a competitive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and life insurance; paid annual and sick leave; paid holidays; and participation in theRetirement Systems of Alabama (RSA)retirement program.\r\nDRUG TEST:Employment may be conditional upon the potential employee passing a pre-employment drug test. (The drug test may require the submission of a sample of hair, finger nails, and/or urine that will verify illegal drug use).\r\nBACKGROUND CHECK:Employment may be conditional upon the potential employee passing a background check. (Candidates will be asked to provide consent prior to the administration of background checks.)\r\nEQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline, or any other aspect of personnel administration because of political or religious opinions or affiliations or because of race, national origin, or any other non merit factors is prohibited. Discrimination on the basis of age, sex, or physical disability is prohibited except where specific age, sex, or physical requirements constitute a bona fide occupational qualification necessary to proper and efficient administration.\r\nREQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATION:Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the responsibility of the applicant with a disability to request accommodation which he/she requires in order to participate in the application or examination process. The Montgomery Personnel Board reserves the right to require documentation of the need for accommodation under the ADA. In order to request accommodation in the application or testing process, contact the Personnel Director at (334) 625-2675.\r\nI9:Prior to your employment, you will be required to provide to your employer documentation of your identity and employment eligibility in order to comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.\r\nUPDATE OF CONTACT INFORMATION:It is your responsibility to update your contact information (address, phone, email) so that we can contact you about jobs. Pleasevisit theUpdate Contact Informationpage to log in and update to your contact information at any time.\r\n\r\n\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time