What is an Emergency Dispatcher?

Example of an Emergency Dispatcher Job Operate radio, telephone, or computer equipment at emergency response centers. Receive reports from the public of crimes, disturbances, fires, and medical or police emergencies. Relay information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May maintain contact with caller until responders arrive.

Life as an Emergency Dispatcher: What Do They Do?

• Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
• Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
• Receive incoming telephone or alarm system calls regarding emergency and non-emergency police and fire service, emergency ambulance service, information, and after-hours calls for departments within a city.
• Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.
• Monitor alarm systems to detect emergencies, such as fires and illegal entry into establishments.
• Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.

Qualities of an Emergency Dispatcher

These are the skills Emergency Dispatchers say are the most useful in their careers:

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Related Job Titles

• Emergency Communications Dispatcher
• Emergency Communications Officer (ECO)
• Protective Signal Operator
• Dispatch Manager
• 911 Emergency Dispatcher

Emergency Dispatcher Job Outlook

There were about 98,600 jobs for Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers in 2016 (in the United States).

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.3% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,200 new jobs for Emergency Dispatchers by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 10,000 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers are Texas, Florida, and New York.

Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maryland, or District of Columbia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What is the Average Salary of an Emergency Dispatcher

The average yearly salary of an Emergency Dispatcher ranges between $26,590 and $63,930. The median salary for this occupation is $40,660.

How much do Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers make in different U.S. states?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
California	$65,530
Alaska	$59,640
Washington	$57,440
Minnesota	$56,490
Oregon	$56,220
Connecticut	$55,520
Nevada	$53,140
Illinois	$52,010
District of Columbia	$50,600
Massachusetts	$49,090
Colorado	$48,710
Rhode Island	$47,740
Iowa	$47,680
New York	$47,600
New Jersey	$47,480
Maryland	$47,380
Hawaii	$46,990
New Hampshire	$45,230
Vermont	$45,180
Delaware	$44,980
North Dakota	$44,490
Ohio	$44,480
Wisconsin	$44,130
Michigan	$42,510
Florida	$42,300
Wyoming	$41,590
Arizona	$41,310
Pennsylvania	$40,980
Maine	$40,920
Montana	$39,310
Idaho	$39,070
Virginia	$39,000
Texas	$38,740
Utah	$38,430
Nebraska	$37,420
Indiana	$37,360
Missouri	$36,960
Tennessee	$36,940
New Mexico	$36,600
South Dakota	$36,430
North Carolina	$35,720
Kentucky	$35,660
Kansas	$34,930
Louisiana	$33,530
South Carolina	$32,660
Georgia	$32,480
Alabama	$32,280
Oklahoma	$31,500
West Virginia	$30,320
Arkansas	$29,660
Mississippi	$26,930

Tools & Technologies Used by Emergency Dispatchers

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Emergency Dispatchers:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft PowerPoint

Becoming an Emergency Dispatcher

What education or degrees do I need to become an Emergency Dispatcher?

What work experience do I need to become an Emergency Dispatcher?

Who Employs Emergency Dispatchers?

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons