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Teletype Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MUSC

Communications Specialist I

Charleston, SC · On-site

$50K - $66K/yr

Operates radio or teletype equipment. Receives and transmits routine and emergency radio, telephone ... operator or dispatch services. This class consists of entry- and journey-level positions which may ...

MUSC

Communication Specialist

Charleston, SC · On-site

$50K - $66K/yr

Operates radio or teletype equipment. Receives and transmits routine and emergency radio, telephone ... operator or dispatch services. This class consists of entry- and journey-level positions which may ...

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All JobsTeletype Operator Jobs

Teletype Operator information

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$10

$23

$44

How much do teletype operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for teletype operator in the United States is $23.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Teletype Operators in a modern workplace?

Teletype Operators often encounter challenges related to maintaining accuracy and speed under tight deadlines, especially when handling high volumes of incoming and outgoing messages. Additionally, adapting to updated communication technologies and integrating traditional teletype equipment with digital systems can require ongoing training and flexibility. Collaboration with other departments, such as technical support and management, is essential to ensure smooth information flow and troubleshoot any equipment issues promptly. Staying organized and attentive to detail is crucial to prevent errors and ensure clear, reliable communication.

What is the difference between Teletype Operator vs Data Entry Clerk?

AspectTeletype OperatorData Entry Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, basic typing skillsHigh school diploma, proficiency in data management software
Work EnvironmentTelecommunications or office setting, operating teletype machinesOffice environment, inputting data into computer systems
Industry UsageTelecommunications, news agencies, governmentBusiness, healthcare, finance sectors
Common Search/ComparisonTeletype Operator vs Data Entry Clerk

The Teletype Operator primarily operated teletype machines for transmitting written messages, often in telecommunications or news agencies. In contrast, Data Entry Clerks focus on inputting and managing data within computer systems across various industries. While both roles require typing skills and attention to detail, the Teletype Operator's work is more hardware-focused, whereas Data Entry Clerks work mainly with digital data. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in related fields.

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

To excel as a Teletype Operator, you need strong typing accuracy, attention to detail, and basic literacy, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with teletype machines, telecommunication systems, and possibly basic computer skills is necessary. Reliability, good communication, and the ability to work under pressure are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate and timely transmission of messages, which is critical for efficient information flow in settings like newsrooms or military operations.

What are Teletype Operators?

Teletype Operators are professionals who operate teletype machines, which are electromechanical typewriters used for sending and receiving typed messages over telecommunication lines. Their primary responsibilities include typing messages accurately, transmitting and receiving communications, and ensuring the correct routing of messages. Teletype Operators were crucial in various industries, particularly in news agencies, military communications, and transportation before the advent of modern digital communication systems.
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What cities are hiring for Teletype Operator jobs? Cities with the most Teletype Operator job openings:
What states have the most Teletype Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Teletype Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Teletype Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Teletype Operator jobs are:
Teletype Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Teletype Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Contract, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 16% Physical, and 84% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $48,481 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Intermittent Public Safety Telecommunicator - Public Safety Dispatch

Intermittent Public Safety Telecommunicator - Public Safety Dispatch

City of Beverly

Beverly, MA • On-site

$31.97/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Title: Intermittent Public Safety Telecommunicator
Supervisor: Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor
Grade: N/A
Civil Service: No
Classification: Non-Exempt
Summary:
Under supervision, performs a variety of routine and complex public safety communication tasks for the City of Beverly Public Safety Dispatch Center ("BDC").
The Public Safety Telecommunicator plays a critical role in emergency response. The Public SafetyTelecommunicator is responsible for responding to emergency and non-emergency calls and providing critical, life-saving assistance to citizens requesting police or fire, and to the response units dispatched to handle the response. Through professional information gathering, determines the nature of the call, whether a response is necessary and what type of assistance or information is needed. For calls requiring fire, medical or police response, professionally dispatches the appropriate agency to the scene, maintaining proper computer records of all units dispatched.
Position Overview:
This position is an essential personnel position that requires working a variety of situations including during holidays, weekends, day/evening/night shifts, and during a state of emergency. This position supports 24/7, 365-day operations. Employees must be able to work all shifts and have the flexibility to alter schedules based on departmental and operational needs. Employees are required to be physically present within the dispatch center or directly on scene covering a major incident to perform their duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
  • Receive, screen and prioritize emergency 911, non-emergency, and TTY telephone calls for service requiring law enforcement, emergency medical services, and/or fire department attention. Monitor activities of, or stays in contact with the caller throughout the emergency, and provide pre-arrival medical instructions to the caller while waiting for units to arrive. Refers non-emergency calls to appropriate personnel.
  • Operate a multi-frequency radio system to monitor, direct and participate in emergency and non-emergency dispatching utilizing call prioritization, caller/incident location identification, and intra-departmental response following the Dispatch center's policies and procedures to minimize potential dangers to the community and first responders. Maintain status and location control of all public safety personnel involved in department activities.
  • Possess a thorough understanding to effectively enter calls for service information into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system accurately and rapidly. Must condense large amounts of information into readable, typed remarks in a timely manner and have the ability to recall numerous acronyms and codes essential to appropriate call processing. Possess the ability to process CAD system queries and identify alert information.
  • Maintain Criminal Justice Information System certification as a full access terminal/teletype operator for use with state or national crime reporting systems, to query and enter information (i.e. stolen vehicles, warrants, missing persons, state driver's records, vehicle registrations and criminal history inquiries) for the appropriate public safety agencies. Certification must be attained within six months of hire into the position.
  • Possess a thorough understanding of the addresses and geography of the City of Beverly. Possess the ability to interpret maps of Beverly and surrounding service area using computerized mapping software and map books. Possess an understanding and effectively use the Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) system to determine location of units.
  • Monitor and activate the Dispatch Center's procedures for civil emergencies, disasters (i.e. hazardous materials) and inclement weather via sirens, pagers, teletype, telephone and radio. Monitor situation and relay accurate information to the appropriate agencies in a timely manner.
  • Work rotating shift work including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Supervisor may perform dispatch function with Public Safety Telecommunicators.
  • Maintain familiarity with the Law Enforcement Call Guides, Fire/EMS Call Guides, Standard Operating Procedures, and other appropriate manuals that provide thorough knowledge of the Dispatch Center operations and procedures.
  • Maintain a thorough working knowledge of all other public safety communications systems used at the dispatch console and throughout the Dispatch Center (including but not limited to the console call repeaters, video cameras, alarms, warning lights, sirens, paging and radio control back-up equipment).
  • Deal with sensitive information in a discreet and professional manner by maintaining confidentiality.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve minor computer hardware and/or software malfunctions.
  • Monitor law enforcement building security.
  • Test fire alarm signaling equipment, radio equipment, and various other electronic and telephone equipment.
  • Knowledgeable of all other available support agencies, services, and all other miscellaneous information as a contact resource to the public.
  • Knowledgeable of mutual aid agreements and other miscellaneous department/agency information for dispatching fire and emergency responders in the City of Beverly and Essex County.
  • Knowledgeable of all other records search databases available in the dispatch center (including but not limited to public utilities database, law enforcement records, etc.)
  • Attends special and periodic training programs and meetings on a continuing basis as required by the Dispatch Center management.
  • Knowledge of the back-up dispatch location, set-up of equipment, and general operations.
  • Administering the District 5 Control Point Mutual Aid Radio Coordination Program.
  • Responding to the scene of major incidents to coordinate communications between the scene and headquarters.
  • Provide Emergency Medical Dispatch services and instructions.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • One year Public Safety Dispatch experience preferred.
  • Must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch, CPR, NG911, APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator, Fire Services and Criminal Justice Information Certifications within the first 6 months of employment.
  • Must be able and willing to work all shifts (including nights, weekends and holidays). Must be willing to work at least 4 hours per week or 16 hours per month. Must be available to work extended shifts and be subject to emergency callouts.
  • Effective listening and communication skills, as well as patience, and common sense.
  • Ability to make sound decisions under stress.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Be proficient in the use of communications equipment.
  • Ability to work as a member of the Emergency Dispatch Team, yet also work independently while performing job duties.
  • Must be willing to submit and pass a thorough background check, to include drug screen and finger printing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must have normal vision and ability to hear and speak. The employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance or stoop.
The employee must lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.
Potentially fast-paced, high activity.
Interested applicants should submit resumes to jobs@beverlyma.gov or mail to City of Beverly, Human Resources, 191 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915.

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