Alarm operator vs communications dispatcher

The differences between alarm operators and communications dispatchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a communications dispatcher has an average salary of $35,153, which is higher than the $29,349 average annual salary of an alarm operator.

The top three skills for an alarm operator include alarm signals, emergency situations and customer service. The most important skills for a communications dispatcher are computer aided dispatch, CAD, and emergency situations.

Alarm operator vs communications dispatcher overview

	Alarm Operator	Communications Dispatcher
Yearly salary	$29,349	$35,153
Hourly rate	$14.11	$16.90
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	30,893	19,172
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 35%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	-	-

Alarm operator vs communications dispatcher salary

Alarm operators and communications dispatchers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Alarm Operator	Communications Dispatcher
Average salary	$29,349	$35,153
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $34,000	Between $26,000 And $47,000
Highest paying City	Kirkland, WA	Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state	Oregon	California
Best paying company	ASRC Federal	City of Richmond
Best paying industry	Utilities	Government

Differences between alarm operator and communications dispatcher education

There are a few differences between an alarm operator and a communications dispatcher in terms of educational background:

	Alarm Operator	Communications Dispatcher
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 35%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common major	Business	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Alarm operator vs communications dispatcher demographics

Here are the differences between alarm operators' and communications dispatchers' demographics:

	Alarm Operator	Communications Dispatcher
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8%	Male, 29.6% Female, 70.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 0.9% White, 72.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 0.9% White, 72.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	17%	17%

Differences between alarm operator and communications dispatcher duties and responsibilities

Alarm operator example responsibilities.

Interpret and respond to system messages through use of JES2, MVS, SDSF and automate commands.
Supervise telecommunication operations and reinforce the confidentiality in telecommunications.
Enter data into various databases including TCIC and NCIC.
Enter stolen, re-cover and missing property into TCIC and NCIC database.
Supervise telecommunication operations and reinforce the confidentiality in telecommunications.

Communications dispatcher example responsibilities.

Manage Facebook page and create event page for grand opening.
Provide first aid, CPR and emergency oxygen as required.
Provide telephone service on the TDD communication device for the deaf and hearing impair.
Respond verbally and used TDD (text telephone device for hearing or speech impair) to communicate with callers when need.
Maintain composure and compassion while handling emergency and non-emergency calls from a diverse community
Coordinate the response of ambulances and public safety units to emergency sites or in-progress crime situations.

Alarm operator vs communications dispatcher skills

Common alarm operator skills

Alarm Signals, 15%
Emergency Situations, 14%
Customer Service, 12%
Data Entry, 8%
Emergency Services, 7%
Security Systems, 7%

Common communications dispatcher skills

Computer Aided Dispatch, 12%
CAD, 8%
Emergency Situations, 5%
CPR, 5%
Dispatch System, 5%
Good Judgment, 5%

Alarm Operator vs. similar jobs

Alarm Operator related careers

Alarm Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Office and Administrative Industry
Alarm Operator
Alarm Operator vs Communications Dispatcher

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs