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Fire Rescue Dispatcher Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Fire Rescue Dispatcher information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$11

$21

$33

How much do fire rescue dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire rescue dispatcher in Baltimore, MD is $21.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $23.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a fire dispatcher hard?

Fire dispatchers play a critical role in emergency response, requiring quick decision-making, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations. The job often involves shift work, high-pressure calls, and the use of specialized radio and computer systems, making it a demanding but essential role in public safety.

What are Fire Rescue Dispatchers?

Fire Rescue Dispatchers are emergency communication professionals who receive and process calls for fire, rescue, and medical assistance. They coordinate the deployment of fire and rescue units, relay critical information to first responders, and provide instructions to callers during emergencies. Their role requires strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and familiarity with emergency procedures and technology. Dispatchers are often the first point of contact in a crisis and play a vital role in ensuring public safety.

What is the difference between Fire Rescue Dispatcher vs Emergency Medical Dispatcher?

AspectFire Rescue DispatcherEmergency Medical Dispatcher
Required CertificationsEmergency Medical Dispatch certification often preferredEmergency Medical Dispatch certification required
Work EnvironmentCoordinate fire and rescue responses, often in fire stations or dispatch centersCoordinate medical emergencies, typically in dispatch centers
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesEMS agencies, hospitals, emergency services
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar emergency dispatch rolesRelated but focuses on medical emergencies

Fire Rescue Dispatchers primarily coordinate fire and rescue responses, while Emergency Medical Dispatchers focus on medical emergencies. Both roles require emergency dispatch certifications and work in similar environments, often within emergency services. The main difference lies in the type of emergencies handled—fire rescue versus medical—making each role specialized within the broader emergency response system.

Is it hard to get hired as a dispatcher?

Getting hired as a fire rescue dispatcher can be competitive, as it often requires passing written exams, background checks, and sometimes psychological evaluations. Candidates typically need strong communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and relevant certifications or training in emergency dispatching. Experience in emergency services or related fields can improve chances of employment.

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

To thrive as a Fire Rescue Dispatcher, you need excellent multitasking abilities, strong decision-making skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, sometimes supplemented by public safety telecommunications certification. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication tools, and emergency response protocols is essential. Outstanding communication, composure under pressure, and effective problem-solving set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure rapid, clear, and accurate emergency response coordination, which can directly impact public safety and outcomes.

How does a Fire Rescue Dispatcher typically collaborate with emergency response teams during high-pressure situations?

Fire Rescue Dispatchers play a crucial role in coordinating emergency response by maintaining clear and constant communication with firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers. During high-pressure incidents, dispatchers relay critical information, update teams on changing conditions, and prioritize multiple calls to ensure resources are allocated efficiently. They must remain calm, multitask effectively, and use specialized dispatch software to monitor units in real time. This collaboration is essential for ensuring quick, organized, and effective emergency responses.

What is the highest paid dispatcher?

The highest paid dispatchers are often emergency or fire rescue dispatchers with extensive experience, specialized training, and certifications. Salaries can reach over $60,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or with advanced responsibilities. Factors such as location, union membership, and years of service influence compensation levels.

What do firefighter dispatchers do?

Firefighter dispatchers, also known as emergency dispatchers, answer emergency calls, assess the situation, and relay information to firefighters and emergency services. They coordinate response efforts, provide instructions to callers, and use communication tools like radios and computer-aided dispatch systems to ensure quick and accurate response to emergencies.
What are popular job titles related to Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs in Baltimore, MD? For Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs in Baltimore, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs in Baltimore, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
Infographic showing various Fire Rescue Dispatcher job openings in Baltimore, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,531 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Maryland EMT's and Paramedics Needed Part Time

Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Company Inc

Gwynn Oak, MD • On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

We are seeking Maryland certified EMT's, CRT's (EMT-I), and Paramedics to join our team! You will provide pre-hospital stabilizing care in a busy 911 response system, assess patients for illnesses/injuries, operate an ambulance in emergency and no emergency mode, clean and sanitize equipment, operate under the Maryland Medical Protocols, operate under the rules and guidelines of the Company. Applicants who do not possess the aforementioned certifications or NREMT or NRP WILL NOT be accepted.

Responsibilities:

  • Transport injured or sick individuals to definitive care.
  • Determine the nature and extent of illness or injury to provide medical care.
  • Operate emergency vehicles in emergency and non-emergency modes.
  • Administer prescribed first-aid treatment at site of emergency, or in specially equipped vehicle.
  • Monitor communication equipment to maintain contact with dispatch.
  • Communicate with other first responders and healthcare personnel.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 18 years of age.
  • Diploma from a recognized high school or a general education development certificate recognized by the Board of Education of Maryland.
  • Current Maryland certified EMT-B, CRT, or Paramedic
  • ALS providers MUST complete the Baltimore County ALS Clearance process in order to function at the ALS level.
  • AHA CPR certified.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license equivalent to a noncommercial class C Maryland driver’s license or higher.
  • Maryland Fire Rescue Institue Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) highly recommended.
  • Previous experience as an EMT or Paramedic is preferred.
  • Experience as a 911 responder is preferred.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and medical examination.
  • Person of good moral character and emotionally stable, as determined by a background investigation, and periodic drug testing.

Company Description

The Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. protects a community of over 35,000 residents living in an area of 9.6 square miles. We have a variety of residential, commercial, industrial, and government buildings in our response area. The Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Company is one of 29 volunteer fire and rescue companies that operate in conjunction with the Baltimore County Fire Department’s 25 career stations. We use the same radio system and cover each other’s districts when other units are busy or unavailable to respond to alarms. Our district borders Baltimore City and we occasionally receive mutual aid requests to assist them. Our response area includes commercial, industrial and government facilities as well. The Social Security Administration, the Health Care Financing Administration, FBI and many businesses are in our district and call on us for help.