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Telecommunicator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of DeKalb

Telecommunicator

Dekalb, IL

$27.42 - $39.29/hr

The Telecommunicator receives, analyzes, classifies, prioritizes and responds to calls of an emergency and non-emergency nature, including those calls involving life-threatening situations. POSITION ...

City of DeKalb, IL

Telecommunicator

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$27.42 - $39.29/hr

The Telecommunicator receives, analyzes, classifies, prioritizes and responds to calls of an emergency and non-emergency nature, including those calls involving life-threatening situations. POSITION ...

Wilson County Government

TELECOMMUNICATOR

Wilson, NC

$45K - $75K/yr

TELECOMMUNICATOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER FLSA : Non-exempt Salary Range : $45,972.00 - $75,792.00 Grade 66 GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB Performs intermediate technical work on an assigned shift ...

City of Paducah

Telecommunicator

Paducah, KY · On-site

$21 - $25.74/hr

A Telecommunicator works under the general supervision of the Communications Shift Supervisor and is responsible for answering 9-1-1 telephone lines, dispatching public safety personnel and equipment ...

City of Paducah

Telecommunicator

Paducah, KY

$21 - $25.74/hr

Description A Telecommunicator works under the general supervision of the Communications Shift Supervisor and is responsible for answering 9-1-1 telephone lines, dispatching public safety personnel ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Public Safety Telecommunicator I

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$64K - $84K/yr

A Public Safety Telecommunicator I is the entry-level class in the Public Safety Telecommunicator series and is responsible for receiving, evaluating, and processing all 9-1-1 calls for police, fire ...

City Of Reading

Telecommunicator I

Reading, PA · On-site

$26.34/hr

Telecommunicator I DEPARTMENT/DIVISION OF: Police/Special Services FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt CLASSIFICATION: AFSCME 2763 - Rank & File SCHEDULE: Full-Time (3:00 PM - 11:00 PM) SALARY: $26.34/HR ...

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Telecommunicator information

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$27.5K

$47K

$67K

How much do telecommunicator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for telecommunicator in the United States is $47,035.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $53,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are telecommunicators?

Telecommunicators, often known as emergency dispatchers or 911 operators, are professionals responsible for receiving and processing emergency and non-emergency calls. They gather essential information from callers, dispatch the appropriate emergency services, and provide critical instructions to help people remain safe until help arrives. Telecommunicators use specialized communication equipment and must remain calm under pressure to effectively coordinate responses between the public and first responders.

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

To excel as a Telecommunicator, you generally need strong communication skills, multitasking ability, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and emergency protocols is typically required, along with certifications like APCO or NENA. Outstanding problem-solving, composure under pressure, and active listening are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure fast, accurate information relay and effective emergency response, directly impacting public safety.

What are some common challenges telecommunicators face during high-pressure emergency situations?

Telecommunicators often encounter high-stress scenarios where they must remain calm and collected while quickly gathering vital information from distressed callers. Balancing multiple calls, dispatching appropriate emergency services, and accurately relaying information to first responders requires strong multitasking and communication skills. Emotional resilience is essential, as telecommunicators may handle life-threatening situations and must provide clear guidance under pressure while maintaining professionalism throughout their shift.

What Is a Telecommunicator?

Telecommunicators, also known as public safety or 911 dispatchers, coordinate communications between police officers, emergency personnel, and the public. Their primary duties include receiving calls and obtaining information from people who need assistance and using a two-way radio to dispatch the appropriate services to firefighters, police officers, and first responders. Telecommunicators keep detailed records and may also track drivers and their vehicles.

What is the difference between Telecommunicator vs Dispatcher?

AspectTelecommunicatorDispatcher
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often required to obtain certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; may require additional certifications
Work EnvironmentEmergency call centers, public safety agencies, or transportation servicesEmergency response units, transportation companies, or public safety agencies
Employer & IndustryPublic safety, transportation, or utility companiesLaw enforcement, fire departments, ambulance services, or logistics companies
Job FocusAnswering emergency and non-emergency calls, providing informationDispatching personnel or vehicles to incidents or locations

While both Telecommunicators and Dispatchers handle communication in emergency and service settings, Telecommunicators primarily answer calls and provide information, whereas Dispatchers coordinate response units and direct resources to incidents.

More about Telecommunicator jobs
What cities are hiring for Telecommunicator jobs? Cities with the most Telecommunicator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Telecommunicator jobs? The most popular types of Telecommunicator jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Telecommunicator jobs? The top employers for Telecommunicator jobs are:
What states have the most Telecommunicator jobs? States with the most job openings for Telecommunicator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Telecommunicator jobs? For Telecommunicator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Telecommunicator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Telecommunicator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,035 per year, or $22.6 per hour.
Telecommunicator

Telecommunicator

FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Inc.

Pinehurst, NC • On-site

$31K - $43K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

FirstHealth of the Carolinas rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

327th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
The FirstComm telecommunicator receives requests for interfacility transports from the Transfer Center. These requests are prioritized and dispatched to CCT ambulances via radio. Dispatched calls are tracked using the Flight Vector CAD. The FirstHealth MRH Stroke and STEMI phone lines are answered by the telecommunicator and directed as appropriate. Incoming ambulances contact MRH through radio communications that are answered in the FirstComm Center. Information received is inputted into Epic, and emergency department staff are notified as appropriate.
Responsibilities
  • Prioritize and dispatch requests for interfacility transports to CCT ambulances via radio.
  • Track dispatched calls using Flight Vector CAD.
  • Answer and direct FirstHealth MRH Stroke and STEMI phone lines.
  • Handle radio communications with incoming ambulances and input information into Epic.
  • Notify emergency department staff as appropriate.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Must demonstrate computer proficiency.
  • One year of experience in a telecommunicator position preferred.
  • Considered an essential employee and must be available to work in all types of weather and/or local emergencies.

What FirstHealth of the Carolinas employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About FirstHealth

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

FirstHealth of the Carolinas is a private, Not for Profit Health care Network Headquartered in Pinehurst, NC. Its 6,100 Employees serve 15 counties in the mid Carolinas. Licensed for four hospitals with 610 beds, FirstHealth demonstrates a commitment to treating the whole patient and providing Quality Health care for the entire Community especially those in need. FirstHealth’s organizational culture is guided by its Core Purpose and Core Values and is committed to Patient Safety, Quality and Performance Excellence.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pinehurst, NC, US

Year founded

1995

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