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The differences between call takers and telecommunicators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a telecommunicator has an average salary of $39,327, which is higher than the $38,776 average annual salary of a call taker.
The top three skills for a call taker include computer aided dispatch, taker and CAD. The most important skills for a telecommunicator are computer aided dispatch, CAD, and EMS.
| Call Taker | Telecommunicator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,776 | $39,327 |
| Hourly rate | $18.64 | $18.91 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 11,539 | 4,083 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 30% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A call taker works at a call or dispatch center, where they are primarily in charge of answering calls, identifying the callers' needs, and coordinating services to assist them right away. Although their responsibilities depend on their company or industry of employment, it usually involves answering inquiries, processing requests, arranging appointments or reservations, and handling issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. When it comes to employment, a call taker may work for 911 dispatch centers, taxi companies, towing services, and private hotlines.
A telecommunicator receives calls and obtains information from people in need of assistance. Telecommunicators, also called 911 or public safety dispatchers, use a two-way radio in dispatching the right services to police officers, first responders, and firefighters. The telecommunicators coordinate communications between emergency personnel, police, and the public. They keep detailed records as well as trace drivers and their automobiles. The skills and knowledge necessary for this job include a dispatch system, public safety, and stressful situation management.
Call takers and telecommunicators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Call Taker | Telecommunicator | |
| Average salary | $38,776 | $39,327 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $51,000 | Between $28,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Mateo, CA | Stockton, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | City of San Antonio | City of Detroit |
| Best paying industry | Government | Government |
There are a few differences between a call taker and a telecommunicator in terms of educational background:
| Call Taker | Telecommunicator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 30% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Most common major | Criminal Justice | Criminal Justice |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between call takers' and telecommunicators' demographics:
| Call Taker | Telecommunicator | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 26.0% Female, 74.0% | Male, 29.0% Female, 71.0% |
| 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% |