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Alarm operator vs emergency communications officer

The differences between alarm operators and emergency communications officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an emergency communications officer has an average salary of $39,422, 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 an emergency communications officer are patrol, computer aided dispatch, and emergency situations.

Alarm operator vs emergency communications officer overview

Alarm OperatorEmergency Communications Officer
Yearly salary$29,349$39,422
Hourly rate$14.11$18.95
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs30,89393,158
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 35%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age3939
Years of experience--

Alarm operator vs emergency communications officer salary

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

Alarm OperatorEmergency Communications Officer
Average salary$29,349$39,422
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $34,000Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityKirkland, WABloomington, IL
Highest paying stateOregonOregon
Best paying companyASRC FederalCity of Austin
Best paying industryUtilitiesGovernment

Differences between alarm operator and emergency communications officer education

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

Alarm OperatorEmergency Communications Officer
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 35%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorBusinessCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Alarm operator vs emergency communications officer demographics

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

Alarm OperatorEmergency Communications Officer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 39.2% Female, 60.8%Male, 43.1% Female, 56.9%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage17%17%

Differences between alarm operator and emergency communications officer 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.

Emergency communications officer example responsibilities.

  • Dispatch all patrol units to calls for service.
  • Monitor Fire/EMS calls of adjacent jurisdictions.
  • Maintain composure and compassion while handling emergency and non-emergency calls from a diverse community
  • Retrieve sensitive information such as, DMV files and background histories.
  • Insert foley catheter or straight cath a patient as directed.
  • Receive training regarding updates and changes of policies, procedure and regulations to CJIS.

Alarm operator vs emergency communications officer skills

Common alarm operator skills
  • Alarm Signals, 15%
  • Emergency Situations, 14%
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • Data Entry, 8%
  • Emergency Services, 7%
  • Security Systems, 7%
Common emergency communications officer skills
  • Patrol, 20%
  • Computer Aided Dispatch, 10%
  • Emergency Situations, 7%
  • CPR, 6%
  • CAD, 6%
  • EMS, 6%

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