Alarm operator vs emergency telecommunications dispatcher

The differences between alarm operators and emergency telecommunications dispatchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an emergency telecommunications dispatcher has an average salary of $38,561, 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 telecommunications dispatcher are EMS, computer aided dispatch, and CPR.

Alarm operator vs emergency telecommunications dispatcher overview

	Alarm Operator	Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher
Yearly salary	$29,349	$38,561
Hourly rate	$14.11	$18.54
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	30,893	27,658
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 35%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	-	-

Alarm operator vs emergency telecommunications dispatcher salary

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

	Alarm Operator	Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher
Average salary	$29,349	$38,561
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $34,000	Between $28,000 And $51,000
Highest paying City	Kirkland, WA	-
Highest paying state	Oregon	-
Best paying company	ASRC Federal	-
Best paying industry	Utilities	-

Differences between alarm operator and emergency telecommunications dispatcher education

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

	Alarm Operator	Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 35%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common major	Business	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Alarm operator vs emergency telecommunications dispatcher demographics

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

	Alarm Operator	Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8%	Male, 27.9% Female, 72.1%
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 emergency telecommunications 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.

Emergency telecommunications dispatcher example responsibilities.

Perform EMD protocols for injure subscribers.
Provide assistance in accordance with state mandates of EMD.
Provide medical instruction to those on the scene of the emergency until the EMT's arrive.
Display patience, caring, and understanding until police, fire, or ems arrive on the scene.
Help the caller stay calm if need and give verbal directions such as CPR, gunshot victim, seizures, etc.
Operate NC DCI system within DCI and agency protocols, disseminate information to appropriate officers, and effect entries into NCIC.

Alarm operator vs emergency telecommunications 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 emergency telecommunications dispatcher skills

EMS, 13%
Computer Aided Dispatch, 11%
CPR, 9%
Public Safety Agencies, 7%
CAD, 6%
NCIC, 5%

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Alarm Operator
Alarm Operator vs Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher

Updated January 8, 2025

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