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Fire Alarm Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CHIEF FIRE ALARM DISPATCHER

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

... Fire Alarm Dispatchers; maintain/complete various logs, journals and other paperwork; make notifications in accordance with Bureau of Communications policy, including relaying information to ...

Schedule fire alarm service appointments * Dispatch approximately 16 technicians to customer sites * Answer phone calls, emails, and text messages * Provide customer support and service updates

Rotating on-call (available to dispatch for after-hours service when assigned as the primary ... NICET Level II, or higher, in Fire Alarm Systems preferred, not required * Valid driver's license ...

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Fire Alarm Dispatcher information

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$37.5K

$56.4K

$73.5K

How much do fire alarm dispatcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire alarm dispatcher in the United States is $56,370.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Fire Alarm Dispatcher do?

A Fire Alarm Dispatcher is responsible for receiving and processing emergency calls related to fires and other incidents. They quickly assess the nature and location of the emergency, dispatch appropriate fire and emergency personnel, and maintain communication with responding units. Fire Alarm Dispatchers also provide critical information and instructions to callers, ensuring a timely and effective response. They play a vital role in coordinating emergency services and keeping the public safe.

Is being a fire dispatcher hard?

Fire dispatchers often work in high-pressure environments requiring quick decision-making, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations. The job involves monitoring emergency calls, coordinating responses, and maintaining focus during emergencies, which can be demanding but is manageable with proper training and experience.

Is it hard to get hired as a dispatcher?

Getting hired as a fire alarm dispatcher can be competitive, as it often requires relevant communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and sometimes certification or training. Employers typically look for candidates with good problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work in a fast-paced environment, but the difficulty varies depending on location and the number of applicants.

What is the highest paying dispatcher job?

Fire alarm dispatchers typically earn higher salaries in urban areas with larger emergency response centers, with top-paying positions often found in metropolitan regions or specialized emergency services. Factors such as experience, certifications, and working in a supervisory or managerial role can also increase earning potential. Overall, fire alarm dispatchers in high-demand areas or with advanced training tend to have the highest salaries among dispatcher roles.

How much do fire alarm dispatchers make?

Fire alarm dispatchers in New York City typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience and certifications. They work in emergency communication centers, often requiring shift work and strong communication skills. Salaries can vary based on the city, department, and level of responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Alarm Dispatcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Alarm Dispatcher, you need strong attention to detail, quick decision-making abilities, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by specialized emergency communications training. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio operations, and relevant certification such as APCO or NENA is typically required. Excellent communication, stress management, and multitasking skills help dispatchers remain calm and clear-headed in high-pressure situations. These skills are crucial to ensure rapid and accurate emergency response, ultimately saving lives and property during critical incidents.

What are the typical challenges faced by Fire Alarm Dispatchers during high-volume emergency situations?

Fire Alarm Dispatchers often encounter challenges such as managing multiple simultaneous calls, prioritizing emergencies, and maintaining clear communication under pressure. During high-volume incidents, dispatchers must quickly assess the nature of each call, coordinate with fire departments and other emergency services, and ensure that accurate information is relayed to responders. Staying calm, organized, and focused is critical to effectively support field teams and ensure public safety during these intense situations.

What is the difference between Fire Alarm Dispatcher vs Fire Alarm Technician?

AspectFire Alarm DispatcherFire Alarm Technician
CertificationsEmergency dispatch certifications, CPR, and communication trainingFire alarm system certifications, NICET, and electrical licenses
Work EnvironmentDispatch centers, call rooms, emergency response settingsInstallation sites, maintenance facilities, client locations
Employer & Industry UsagePublic safety agencies, alarm monitoring companiesFire alarm system manufacturers, contractors, service providers

Fire Alarm Dispatchers primarily handle emergency calls, coordinate responses, and monitor alarm systems, requiring communication and emergency response certifications. Fire Alarm Technicians focus on installing, maintaining, and repairing fire alarm systems, needing technical certifications and electrical knowledge. While both roles work within the fire safety industry, dispatchers manage communication, and technicians handle system technicalities.

More about Fire Alarm Dispatcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Fire Alarm Dispatcher jobs? Cities with the most Fire Alarm Dispatcher job openings:
What states have the most Fire Alarm Dispatcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Alarm Dispatcher jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fire Alarm Dispatcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,370 per year, or $27.1 per hour.
SUPERVISING FIRE ALARM DISPATCHER

SUPERVISING FIRE ALARM DISPATCHER

City of New York

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

532nd of 705 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Company Description
Job Description
The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest Fire Department in the United States and universally is recognized as the world's busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency. The Department's main goal is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, and other critical public safety services to residents and visitors in the five boroughs. FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property and the Department works to continually educate the public in fire, life safety and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes. Since its inception in 1865, FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest big city in the nation. This accomplishment requires a steadfast and daily commitment to maintaining the Department's core values.
The Fire Department, City of New York (FDNY), seeks a full-time Supervising Fire Alarm Dispatcher Level 1 in the Bureau of Communications.At Assignment Level I: Supervising Fire Alarm Dispatchers, under general supervision, serve as Tour Supervisors directing dispatch and inside maintenance personnel during a tour of duty in a borough fire communications central office or in a Public Safety Answering Center (PSAC); allocate available Fire Department resources to maximize fire protection throughout one or more boroughs; direct and perform equipment maintenance; maintain appropriate central office/PSAC records. They immediately oversee all transmitted fire alarm signals and special calls; test, operate and maintain various central office/PSAC equipment; confer with outside plant personnel regarding circuit problems and perform related equipment adjustments and tests; supervise, train and evaluate Fire Alarm Dispatchers; maintain/complete various logs, journals and other paperwork; make notifications in accordance with Bureau of Communications policy, including relaying information to superiors on escalating critical conditions or situations; approve and adjust subordinate time records in the CityTime System and related computerized administrative work; conduct scheduled and ad hoc drills; and implement and oversee manual dispatch mode when computer system is down. Must have a minimum of three years at time of appointment as Fire Alarm Dispatcher.
SUPERVISING FIRE ALARM DISPATC - 71060
Qualifications
1. A four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and either:
a) three years of satisfactory experience as an airport or railroad traffic controller, as a fire alarm dispatcher in a Class ""A"" Fire Alarm System, in radio or in another communication activity involving emergency dispatching, including one year in a supervisory capacity; or b) five years of responsible, satisfactory experience in a public contact field of work requiring obtaining of information to provide immediate assistance to persons in emergency or critical situations in which lives and/or property are in jeopardy; including one year in a supervisory capacity; or
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to ""1"" above. College education may be substituted on the basis of 30 credits for one year of experience, only for the experience described in ""1 b)"" above and only for a maximum of two years. However, all candidates must have a four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and at least three years of experience including one year of supervisory experience.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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