Refit
Career overview · SOC 43-5031

Public Safety Telecommunicators

Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.

Also called: 911 Dispatcher · Communications Officer · Communications Operator · Communications Specialist · Emergency Communications Dispatcher · Emergency Communications Operator (ECO)

Median pay (national)
$50,730
$35,640–$78,110 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
101,140
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+3.5%
~10,700 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for public safety telecommunicators shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $78,110 versus $35,640 at the bottom 10% — 2.2x. The median of $50,730 leaves roughly 54% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +3.5% from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 10,700 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 52 states with released data, California pays the most for this role (median $78,210, +54% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $26,460 — a 196% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.

Tailor your resume to Public Safety Telecommunicators

Honest tailoring

See how your resume lines up with Public Safety Telecommunicators

Refit re-angles your real experience toward this role using the skills above — and never invents skills you don't have. A no-fabrication gate checks every change before you see it.

Free. No account needed to see your first re-fit.

Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Learning
  • Monitoring
  • Writing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Mathematics
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
  • Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
  • Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
  • Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
  • Monitor various radio frequencies, such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense, to stay apprised of developing situations.
  • Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.
  • Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.
  • Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
  • Answer routine inquiries, and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.
  • Learn material and pass required tests for certification.

Tools & technology

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • SAP software
  • 911 system information databases
  • Computer aided dispatch software
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Intrado SchoolMessenger
  • Law enforcement information databases
  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
  • National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System NLETS
  • Spillman Technologies Spillman Computer-Aided Dispatch
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Knowledge areas

  • Public Safety and Security
  • Law and Government
  • English Language
  • Telecommunications
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Geography
  • Communications and Media
  • Computers and Electronics