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Fire Dispatcher Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

South Metro Fire Rescue's compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain highly skilled ... Dispatcher I $42.95 /hour Dispatcher II $37.42 /hour Dispatcher III $32.82/hour

Dispatcher

Centennial, CO · On-site

$61K - $89K/yr

South Metro Fire Rescue's compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain highly skilled ... Dispatcher I $42.95 /hour Dispatcher II $37.42 /hour Dispatcher III $32.82/hour Equal Opportunity ...

Dispatcher

Centennial, CO · On-site

$61K - $89K/yr

South Metro Fire Rescue's compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain highly skilled ... Dispatcher I $42.95 /hour Dispatcher II $37.42 /hour Dispatcher III $32.82/hour

Dispatcher

Centennial, CO · On-site

$61K - $89K/yr

South Metro Fire Rescue's compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain highly skilled ... Dispatcher I $42.95 /hour Dispatcher II $37.42 /hour Dispatcher III $32.82/hour Equal Opportunity ...

Dispatcher

Delta, CO · On-site

$59K - $69K/yr

Answer, document, and respond to all 911 emergency calls dispatching medical and law enforcement ... Log all law enforcement, ambulance, and fire department calls noting page, en route, and on-scene ...

Dispatcher

Delta, CO · On-site

$59K - $69K/yr

Answer, document, and respond to all 911 emergency calls dispatching medical and law enforcement ... Log all law enforcement, ambulance, and fire department calls noting page, en route, and on-scene ...

Dispatcher

Highlands Ranch, CO · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Monitor Fire Alarm System * Dispatch ambulance, private ambulances, or 911 as needed What you will need * Prior experience in 911 call-taking/dispatching or Emergency Medical Services preferred

Dispatcher

Highlands Ranch, CO · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Monitor Fire Alarm System * Dispatch ambulance, private ambulances, or 911 as needed What you will need * Prior experience in 911 call-taking/dispatching or Emergency Medical Services preferred

Dispatcher I

Divide, CO · On-site

$28.67 - $30.10/hr

Dispatch Director or designee New salary range as of 01/01/2026: $28.67 - $30.10/hour FLSA Status ... Forest Service, Colorado State Parks, Animal Control, Fire Departments, Ambulances, Emergency ...

Dispatcher I

Divide, CO · On-site

$28.67 - $30.10/hr

Dispatch Director or designee New salary range as of 01/01/2026: $28.67 - $30.10/hour FLSA Status ... Forest Service, Colorado State Parks, Animal Control, Fire Departments, Ambulances, Emergency ...

Dispatcher I

Divide, CO · On-site

$28.67 - $30.10/hr

Dispatch Director or designee New salary range as of 01/01/2026: $28.67 - $30.10/hour FLSA Status ... Forest Service, Colorado State Parks, Animal Control, Fire Departments, Ambulances, Emergency ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Dispatcher information

See Colorado salary details

$39.4K

$59.3K

$77.3K

How much do fire dispatcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire dispatcher in Colorado is $59,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,700.00 and $69,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to become a fire dispatcher?

Becoming a fire dispatcher typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a written exam and background check, and often obtaining emergency communication certifications. The process involves training in emergency response protocols and communication skills, and candidates must be able to handle stressful situations effectively.

What is a fire dispatcher?

Fire dispatchers are emergency service professionals who receive and process calls related to fires, medical emergencies, and other incidents requiring fire department response. They gather critical information from callers, determine the nature and location of the emergency, and dispatch the appropriate fire and emergency personnel to the scene. Fire dispatchers also provide instructions to callers and maintain communication with responding units to ensure a coordinated and efficient response. Their role is essential in ensuring public safety and effective emergency management.

Is being a fire dispatcher hard?

Fire dispatchers coordinate emergency responses by answering calls, providing instructions, and dispatching fire services. The job requires strong communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and often involves shift work, including nights and weekends. It can be demanding due to the high-pressure environment and the need for quick decision-making.

What are some common challenges faced by fire dispatchers during emergency situations?

Fire Dispatchers often work in high-pressure environments where they must quickly gather accurate information and dispatch the appropriate resources, all while remaining calm and composed. One common challenge is managing multiple emergencies simultaneously, which requires strong multitasking and prioritization skills. Dispatchers also need to communicate clearly with both callers in distress and first responders, ensuring that instructions are understood and followed. Additionally, coping with the emotional impact of distressing calls can be a significant challenge, but most agencies provide support and training to help dispatchers manage stress and maintain their well-being.

What does a fire dispatcher do?

Fire dispatchers play a critical role in the emergency and non-emergency communications for a given city. Working in a call center, a fire dispatcher will receive calls from individuals, through 911 or a direct phone number. The dispatcher will be responsible for listening to the details and coordinate the appropriate services necessary to help the caller. Along with fire departments, dispatchers may often work with emergency medical services (EMS) and other public safety services. These calls can be for critical and life-threatening situations which will require the fire dispatcher to remain calm and gather the necessary information to get the right help to the right location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire dispatcher?

To excel as a Fire Dispatcher, you need strong decision-making skills, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring certification in emergency dispatching. Familiarity with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and emergency protocols is crucial. Excellent communication, composure under pressure, and the ability to multitask help set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure rapid, accurate response to emergencies, directly impacting public safety and the effectiveness of fire services.

How much do fire dispatchers make?

Fire dispatchers in New York City typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience and certifications. They often work in high-pressure environments and may require specialized training in emergency communication systems.

What is the difference between Fire Dispatcher vs Emergency Communications Officer?

AspectFire DispatcherEmergency Communications Officer
CertificationsEmergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), CPR, dispatcher certificationsEmergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), CPR, dispatcher certifications
Work EnvironmentDispatch centers, emergency call roomsDispatch centers, emergency call rooms
Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesPublic safety agencies, emergency services
Job FocusCoordinate fire response, dispatch fire unitsCoordinate various emergency responses, including fire, medical, and police

Both roles involve emergency call handling and dispatching, often requiring similar certifications. However, Fire Dispatchers primarily focus on fire response coordination, while Emergency Communications Officers handle a broader range of emergencies, including medical and police incidents. The roles are integral to public safety and often overlap in work environment and qualifications.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Fire Dispatcher jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Fire Dispatcher job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Dispatcher job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,274 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

$61K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


South Metro Fire Rescue rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 7 rated fire service


Job description

EMERGENCY SERVICES DISPATCHER 

Accepting ongoing applications

 
Reports To: Emergency Services Dispatch Supervisor
Division: Emergency Services
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $61,217 - $89,351 (with additional earning potential through an average of 225 hours of overtime annually)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Applicants must be 18 years of age with a high school diploma, GED, or post-high school education at a technical or college level with two (2) years of related experience is preferred.

Candidates with less experience who possess comparable public safety experience will also be considered including military communications. 

All qualified candidates will go through our selection process that includes successfully passing a CritiCall test and a panel interview. 

*Candidates must attach a copy of their resume and cover letter with their application package to be considered.*

Our Emergency Communications Center is an IAES & ACE Accredited Dispatch Center that responds to an average of 48,000 calls per year and serves as secondary PSAP dispatching EMS and Fire resources. Dispatchers function at all positions on a rotation: call taking, radio, system status, operations talk groups, and support.
 

For job information and videos about our Dispatchers, please click the links below!

Dispatch Job Description

“I Tried 911” video

A Day in the Life – Dispatcher YouTube video

 
FULL-TIME DISPATCHER
  • Flexible Schedule:
    • Modified Kelly Schedule/Berkley Schedule:
      • On-Off-On-Off-On-Off for 4 days
      • Currently, we offer 24 or 12-hour shifts
    • Holiday pay for holidays worked
  • Advancement Opportunities:
    • Growth: Lead Dispatcher, Dispatch Supervisor
    • Specialties: Incident Dispatch Team (IDT), Certified Training Officer (CTO), Public Education Team
    • Candidates progress through an annual pay progression based on performance and meeting the requirements of the next pay tier
  • Benefits: 
    • Robust benefits package with medical, dental, and vision
    • PTO plans
    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Employee Assistance Program and more!

South Metro Fire Rescue’s compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain highly skilled and motivated employees. As such, SMFR’s compensation is more than base pay. All regular fulltime SMFR employees enjoy a total compensation package including: base wages, leave accruals, medical, dental, vision and life insurance employer paid premiums, Retiree Health Savings, Death & Disability and employer paid pension contributions as well as a positive work culture including a robust Fitness, Wellness and Rehabilitation Program, educational opportunities and support, job security and other positive non-monetary values which are intended to collectively position SMFR as an employer of choice in its geographic area. SMFR recognizes that being an employer of choice has different meaning to different people depending on what elements a person highly values. But SMFR's overall goal is to be a great place to work.

2026 COMPENSATION: 

Dispatcher I

$42.95 /hour

Dispatcher II

$37.42 /hour

Dispatcher III

$32.82/hour


What South Metro Fire Rescue employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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