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Telecommunicator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Kingman, AZ · On-site

$24.07 - $33.69/hr

The telecommunicator uses strong communication skills and sound judgment to help protect lives and property within the community. This position works in a fast-paced, high-volume communications ...

Public Safety Call Taker

Kingman, AZ · On-site

$21.83 - $30.56/hr

Public Safety Telecommunicator - within one (1) year of hire. NIMS ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800 - within one (1) year of hire. What You'll Do For The City Of Kingman Emergency & Non ...

Public Safety Call Taker

Kingman, AZ · On-site

$21.83 - $30.56/hr

Public Safety Telecommunicator - within one (1) year of hire. * NIMS ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800 - within one (1) year of hire. What You'll Do For The City Of Kingman Emergency & Non ...

Telecommunicator information

See Arizona salary details

$25.6K

$43.8K

$62.4K

How much do telecommunicator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for telecommunicator in Arizona is $43,832.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,300.00 and $49,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How much do telecommunicators make?

Telecommunicators typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced telecommunicators or those in high-demand areas can earn higher wages, often with shift differentials for night or weekend work.
Infographic showing various Telecommunicator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,832 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Public Safety Telecommunicator I

Mesa, AZ • On-site


City of Mesa
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

222nd of 849 rated public administrative organizations

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$64K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description/Duties The City of Mesa is pleased to offer a hiring bonus for individuals hired as a Public Safety Telecommunicator I; $1,000 will be paid upon successful completion of the Public Safety Telecommunicator classroom training program, and $1,000 will be paid one year after completion of the training. This recruitment will be used to fill vacancies in the 911 Call-Taker, Police Dispatching, and Fire Dispatching assignments. The first review of all applications will be on Monday, July 27, 2026.

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, and medical assistance; or receiving and dispatching calls and messages for police or fire/emergency medical services, and maintaining radio contact with mobile units. Work involves evaluating incoming calls, dispatching field units, and transmitting information and messages upon request and according to established procedures. 911 Call-Taker Assignment: Receives and evaluates calls from the public concerning crimes, fires, and medical emergencies.

Specific duties include: evaluating calls for proper action; initiating Police and Fire/medical response by obtaining information required for dispatching field units; accessing the priority dispatch protocol system which is used to triage emergency medical service requests and supply pre-arrival instructions; entering data into a computer as it is being received; and providing emergency first aid or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) instructions, if appropriate. Calls and messages include routine reports, referral information, and emergency calls for assistance from citizens and public safety personnel. A Public Safety Telecommunicator I in the 911 Call-Taker Assignment enters abandoned vehicle information and performs vehicle registration, Driver's License, stolen vehicle, and wanted persons checks by utilizing a criminal justice information system.

Fire Dispatching Assignment: Dispatches calls and messages for Fire and Medical emergency services and maintains radio contact with mobile units. A Public Safety Telecommunicator I in the Fire Dispatching assignment works in the Mesa Regional Dispatch Center (MRDC) which is responsible for multi-agency dispatching and a valley-wide automatic aide system. Specific duties include: making appropriate notifications and call-outs for major incidents; selecting correct format for dispatching from twelve or more categories; dispatching ground and air ambulances; and contacting other agencies, utilities, airport towers, the Public Information Officer, on-call investigators, numerous specialty teams, and rescue services such as the Red Cross depending on the type of incident.

Police Dispatching Assignment: Dispatches calls and messages for Police emergency services and maintains radio contact with mobile units. A Public Safety Telecommunicator I in the Police Dispatching assignment works in the Police Communications Center which is responsible for dispatching Police Officers for the City of Mesa involving high volume of radio traffic and monitoring of status changes during routine and emergent situations. Calls and messages include routine reports, referral information, and emergency calls for assistance from citizens and Police personnel.

Public Safety Telecommunicator I is a civilian position. All work is performed in accordance with department policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations. A Public Safety Telecommunicator I works rotating shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Employees in this class may progress by noncompetitive promotion to the Public Safety Telecommunicator II classification upon meeting the specific criteria-based promotion requirements. The employee must have completed the probationary requirement as a Public Safety Telecommunicator I and demonstrated the level of competency necessary to perform the duties with minimal supervision and assistance. This class is distinguished from the Public Safety Telecommunicator II class by the training responsibilities of the latter.

Supervision is received from a Public Safety Communications Shift Supervisor who reviews work through observations on the job and results achieved. This class is FLSA nonexempt. Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.

Qualifications & Requirements Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity. Minimum Qualifications Required. Graduation from high school or GED.

Good (1 - 3 years) experience in public contact or customer service experience. A minimum typing speed of 35 net words per minute (nwpm) is also required and will be verified prior to employment or promotion to this class. Must successfully pass Criticall test prior to hire or promotion date.

Special Requirements. Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation is required. Candidates given a conditional job offer will be required to pass a hearing test.

Must obtain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification within 60 days of hire or promotion date. All required certifications must be maintained throughout employment. Must not be on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) list of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment/pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures. Preferred/Desirable Qualifications.

Experience with computer data entry is desirable. Bilingual speaking skills (English/Spanish) are desirable. Experience in the operation of multiline phone system or radio communications system is desirable.

Link to Job Description https://apps.mesaaz.gov/JobDescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4930.pdf



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