1

Telecommunicator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

TARGET CLOSE DATE: 08/21/2026 PAY GRADE: Grade 15 TYPE: Full time JOB SUMMARY: Public Safety Telecommunicators support the Birmingham public safety agency by receiving emergency and non-emergency ...

Showing results 41-60

Telecommunicator information

See Texas salary details

$25.6K

$43.8K

$62.4K

How much do telecommunicator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for telecommunicator in Texas is $43,821.00, 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 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.

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.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Telecommunicator jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Telecommunicator jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Telecommunicator jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Telecommunicator job openings:
Infographic showing various Telecommunicator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,821 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Pbjcal

Merit, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

TARGET CLOSE DATE:

08/21/2026

PAY GRADE:

Grade 15

TYPE:

Full time

JOB SUMMARY:

Public Safety Telecommunicators support the Birmingham public safety agency by receiving emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio messages in a communication center, entering all requests for service into the computer aided dispatch (CAD), and forwarding the information to the Public Safety Dispatcher. Employees in this job class provide information and referrals to citizens for non-emergency calls. Work is performed in a call center setting and employees operate a technological work station to include the simultaneous operation of multiple computer monitors, video monitors, telephones, two-way-radios, etc. Work is reviewed by the shift supervisor by playing back recorded calls and checking records for accuracy and correctness.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Agencies provide competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more.
Applications for this position will be considered for the following Merit System employing
agencies. The pay range for this job varies depending upon the Merit System employing
agency.
Birmingham: $35,360 - $54,849

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:

  • Experience in a customer service-oriented position (e.g., interacting with people, providing information and/or a service).

  • No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violent offenses or issues of moral turpitude.

  • Willing to submit to a general and criminal background check.

  • Willing to work an 8- or 12-hour shift on any shift or day (e.g., nights, weekends, holidays) and overtime as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are job-related qualifications deemed desirable by Merit System agencies. These qualifications may be considered by a hiring agency when reviewing applications and inviting candidates to participate in subsequent steps in the selection processes.

  • Experience as a public safety dispatcher.

  • Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification.

  • Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification.

  • Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification.

  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification.

  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:

  • Answers and manages calls to allow effective communication and response of emergency responders (i.e., police, fire, emergency medical services (EMS)) for citizens during emergency situations.

  • Provides information and referrals to citizens, public safety personnel, media, etc. by responding to calls involving non-emergency situations.

  • Operates technology-based work station that includes multiple video monitors, multiple software programs running simultaneously, a personal computer, phone lines, headsets, and alarm boards in order to receive, forward, and monitor calls for services.

  • Completes and maintains information and tracking data pertinent to law enforcement operations.

  • Enters information from emergency calls into the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system while simultaneously communicating with caller to gather information regarding the incident and scene.

  • Transfers calls to appropriate dispatcher and/or agency (e.g., law enforcement, fire, EMS) and monitors relay of call to ensure incident information has been received.

  • Communicates with external agencies (e.g., utility companies, animal control, towing companies) to provide information regarding citizen requests.

  • Monitors local geographical conditions such as major street closings, utility company projects, roads and transportation conditions, road construction projects, accidents, traffic delays, etc. and updates dispatchers and emergency responders through computer aided dispatch system (CAD) to keep them informed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is conducted almost exclusively indoors in a call center setting. Work involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc. Job requires working holidays, overtime (e.g., in the morning, during lunch, or after normal working hours), and/or nights.

EEO STATEMENT:

The Personnel Board of Jefferson Countyprovides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Each Merit System member city/agencyoperates its own equal employment opportunity policies available on the individual city/agency website.

ACCOMMODATION:

To request an accommodation in the application or hiring process due to your own ongoing medical condition or disability, please contact our Accommodations Coordinator at accommodationrequest@pbjcal.org or phone at 205-279-3500 (select option 1) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. The accommodation process is reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or accommodation in the job application process.

NOTE:

This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System. More detail regarding this job is available by clicking Apply.

DISCLAIMER:

This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required for this position and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.