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Fire Rescue Dispatcher Jobs (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

Communicates with dispatch, fire officers and related personnel for the accurate and efficient ... Hazardous Material Technician Technical Rescue Rope Technician VMR Technician Trench Technician ...

Communicates with dispatch, fire officers and related personnel for the accurate and efficient ... Technical Rescue * Rope Technician * VMR Technician * Trench Technician * Confined Space Technician

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

Rialto, CA · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Distinguishing Characteristics The Dispatcher class is distinguished by its critical role in receiving, evaluating, and processing emergency and non-emergency requests for fire, medical, and rescue ...

Dispatch accurate and rapid processing of routine and emergency calls, which requires following ... Transferring callers to other emergency response agencies such as law enforcement or fire rescue ...

PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR

Danbury, NC · On-site

$19.34 - $31/hr

Operates two-way radio and/or other communications equipment to dispatch law enforcement, fire, Rescue, medical and other personnel, and equipment and to relay instructions or information to remote ...

... dispatch, dispatch action and disposition of calls or requests. Maintains confidentiality of all matters concerning law enforcement, fire, rescue and other public safety and emergency operations.

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Fire Rescue Dispatcher information

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How much do fire rescue dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire rescue dispatcher in the United States is $22.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.80 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.
More about Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs? Cities with the most Fire Rescue Dispatcher job openings:
What states have the most Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs include:

$61K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


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