What is an Emergency Dispatcher?
Emergency Dispatcher Example 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.
Daily Life Of an Emergency Dispatcher
- Learn material and pass required tests for certification.
- Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
- Monitor alarm systems to detect emergencies, such as fires and illegal entry into establishments.
- Monitor various radio frequencies such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense to keep apprised of developing situations.
- Question callers to determine their locations, and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
- 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.
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Emergency Dispatcher Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Emergency Dispatchers say are important on the job.
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.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Public Safety Telecommunicator
- Emergency Communications Dispatcher
- 911 Operator (Nine One One Operator)
- Police Dispatcher
- Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher (ETD)
Is There Going to be Demand for Emergency Dispatchers?
In the United States, there were 98,600 jobs for Emergency Dispatcher in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,100 new jobs for Emergency Dispatcher by 2026. The BLS estimates 10,000 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Emergency Dispatcher are Utah, Texas, and Nevada. 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.
Average Emergency Dispatchers Salary
Emergency Dispatchers make between $26,590 and $63,930 a year.
Emergency Dispatchers who work in California, Alaska, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Emergency Dispatchers in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $32,280 |
| Alaska | $59,640 |
| Arizona | $41,310 |
| Arkansas | $29,660 |
| California | $65,530 |
| Colorado | $48,710 |
| Connecticut | $55,520 |
| Delaware | $44,980 |
| District of Columbia | $50,600 |
| Florida | $42,300 |
| Georgia | $32,480 |
| Hawaii | $46,990 |
| Idaho | $39,070 |
| Illinois | $52,010 |
| Indiana | $37,360 |
| Iowa | $47,680 |
| Kansas | $34,930 |
| Kentucky | $35,660 |
| Louisiana | $33,530 |
| Maine | $40,920 |
| Maryland | $47,380 |
| Massachusetts | $49,090 |
| Michigan | $42,510 |
| Minnesota | $56,490 |
| Mississippi | $26,930 |
| Missouri | $36,960 |
| Montana | $39,310 |
| Nebraska | $37,420 |
| Nevada | $53,140 |
| New Hampshire | $45,230 |
| New Jersey | $47,480 |
| New Mexico | $36,600 |
| New York | $47,600 |
| North Carolina | $35,720 |
| North Dakota | $44,490 |
| Ohio | $44,480 |
| Oklahoma | $31,500 |
| Oregon | $56,220 |
| Pennsylvania | $40,980 |
| Rhode Island | $47,740 |
| South Carolina | $32,660 |
| South Dakota | $36,430 |
| Tennessee | $36,940 |
| Texas | $38,740 |
| Utah | $38,430 |
| Vermont | $45,180 |
| Virginia | $39,000 |
| Washington | $57,440 |
| West Virginia | $30,320 |
| Wisconsin | $44,130 |
| Wyoming | $41,590 |
What Tools & Technology do Emergency Dispatchers Use?
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
- Web browser software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- National Crime Information Center NCIC database
- Law enforcement information databases
- Computer aided dispatch software
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?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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