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How to hire a call taker

Call taker hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring call takers in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a call taker is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new call taker to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a call taker, step by step

To hire a call taker, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a call taker:

Here's a step-by-step call taker hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a call taker job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new call taker
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a call taker do?

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.

Learn more about the specifics of what a call taker does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your call taker job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a call taker for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A call taker's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, call takers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list shows salaries for various types of call takers.

    Type of Call TakerDescriptionHourly rate
    Call TakerPolice, fire, and ambulance dispatchers, also called public safety telecommunicators, answer emergency and nonemergency calls.$13-24
    Operations/DispatchAn operations dispatcher is a communication liaison between delivery drivers, customers, and an operations center of a delivery service or distributorship. You should effectively communicate with drivers for timely and efficient deliveries and inform customers of expected times of delivery... Show more$13-25
    TelecommunicatorA 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... Show more$13-25
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Computer Aided Dispatch
    • Taker
    • CAD
    • Data Entry
    • Customer Service
    • EMS
    • CPR
    • Emergency Situations
    • GPS
    • Patrol
    • Service Calls
    • EMD
    • Dispatch System
    • NCIC
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage truck and equipment inventory, rental tracking and GPS monitoring.
    • Dispatch all patrol officers and fire departments.
    • Enter confidential info through NCIC directly under SLED/FBI.
    • Place outbound calls to advise members of eta.
    • Dispatch need help such as fire ems and law.
    • Receive emergency calls and route calls to patrol units.
    More call taker duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your call taker job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A call taker salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, call takers' average salary in arkansas is 61% less than in california.
    • Seniority. Entry-level call takers earn 43% less than senior-level call takers.
    • Certifications. A call taker with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a call taker's salary.

    Average call taker salary

    $38,776yearly

    $18.64 hourly rate

    Entry-level call taker salary
    $29,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 15, 2025

    Average call taker salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$61,758$30
    2Pennsylvania$54,273$26
    3Oregon$52,554$25
    4Minnesota$49,560$24
    5Colorado$48,783$23
    6Nevada$44,267$21
    7Alaska$42,012$20
    8Massachusetts$40,861$20
    9New York$39,485$19
    10New Jersey$39,092$19
    11Michigan$38,148$18
    12New Mexico$37,027$18
    13Maryland$36,359$17
    14Missouri$36,255$17
    15Texas$34,323$17
    16Indiana$32,890$16
    17Ohio$30,649$15
    18Oklahoma$29,731$14
    19Tennessee$29,677$14
    20Florida$28,897$14

    Average call taker salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1City of San Antonio$53,011$25.49
    2Mayor Ethan Berkowitz$51,671$24.84
    3City of Austin$47,289$22.74
    4Deschutes County$47,243$22.71
    5El Paso County$47,011$22.60
    6City of Reno$46,482$22.35
    7City of Napa$44,408$21.351
    8City of Aurora$44,301$21.30
    9City of Columbus$44,186$21.24
    10Larimer County$43,700$21.01
    11City of Eugene$43,526$20.932
    12Emory University$43,426$20.88
    13Anne Arundel County Public Schools$41,960$20.17
    14First Transit$40,760$19.60
    15Edmond Oklahoma$40,509$19.482
    16City of Thornton$40,391$19.42
    17State of Colorado$39,585$19.03
    18City Of Enid Utilities Office$39,572$19.02
    19Mohawk Regional Information Center$38,767$18.64
    20LifeCare Ambulance$38,740$18.63
  4. Writing a call taker job description

    A good call taker job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a call taker job description:

    Call taker job description example

    This role is now eligible for a $5,000 sign on bonus for those who are hired. You would receive this amount within 30 days of hire. This may help with candidates who are interested in relocating closer to Longmont, Colorado.

    Emergency Call Relay Center

    *Note -A lot of times there is some confusion surrounding the term dispatching. While there are certainly dispatchers in the 911 environment, we are actually more interested in the call takers since we do not do any dispatching whatsoever. In some PSAPs (911 call centers) individuals do both call taking and dispatching. In others, these roles are fully separate without much overlap. So someone with “dispatch” experience isn’t always going to be the most qualified for our role.

    • The Emergency Call Relay Center (ECRC) is looking for positive, highly motivated and caring people who want to make a difference for the citizens we serve and FIRST first responders across the nation who turn to Intrado for support!

    • 911 call takers with a minimum of 1 year of experience are strongly encouraged to apply

    • Take advantage of this opportunity to join a fast-paced, technology driven company that supports 911 and public safety

    • Demand for our services continue to grow and so do the opportunities at Intrado

    • Located in Longmont, CO, our facility lies in full view of the Rocky Mountains About the ECRC

    • We are a national 911 center • We receive calls from North America, including all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands

    • Once we determine the caller’s location, we then transfer them to the geographically appropriate PSAP

    • The team handles approximately 20,000 calls per month

    • We answer 911 calls for many solutions including:

    o Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) o Wireless and Voice over WIFI (VoWIFI) o Satellite Phones

    o Telematics o Interim Text-to-9-1-1 Relay Solution o Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS) & Video Relay Services (VRS)

    • There is never a dull moment!! Here are just a few of the large-scale critical incidents from across the country that the ECRC handled calls for:

    o Hurricane Irma o Hawaii Nuclear scare o Hurricane Matthew

    o Independence Day (you thought it was bad at your PSAP? Imagine dealing with it across the entire country)

    o Delmarva area earthquake o Nashville bombing

    o Hurricane Harvey o Superstorm Sandy o Boston Marathon bombing o Hurricane Isaias

    High school diploma required.

    Associate's degree in communications, business, or similar field preferred.

    Equivalent work experience in a similar position may be substituted for educational requirements Experience

    •One year experience in emergency services dispatching in a 9-1-1 center or similar environment required Other

    •Basic knowledge of MS Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint required

    •May be required to work varying shifts

    What are the nice-to-have skills?

    •24/7 on call experience preferred 1 year in emergency communications (could be EMT dispatch, 911 call taking, veterans, etc.)

    Describe how this position fits in your organization.

    We currently have multiple openings for this Emergency Call Relay Center ECRC role.

    A good fit in the ECRC would be an individual who is self-motivated, task oriented, works well under pressure, understands shift work to include working in a 24/7 365 environment, understanding of emergency services, ability to handle stress, and the ability to leave home and personal life at the door and put the person who is in crisis before yourself, then let it go and go on to the next call. The ECRC answers 911 calls that would otherwise be lost in the technology world that we live in today. We support West by making sure our customers both internal and external get the best emergency call handling experience while they are dealing with emergency situations.

    *Note -A lot of times there is some confusion surrounding the term dispatching. While there are certainly dispatchers in the 911 environment, we are actually more interested in the call takers since we do not do any dispatching whatsoever. In some PSAPs (911 call centers) individuals do both call taking and dispatching. In others, these roles are fully separate without much overlap. So someone with “dispatch” experience isn’t always going to be the most qualified for our role.

    What is exciting about this opportunity? Please include team and company culture.

    The ECRC offers growth opportunities from Telecommunicator to Senior Telecommunicator as positions come available. We also have a Supervisor team that one can promote to as positions become available.

    Is there additional variable compensation?

    6% more for a weekend shift and 11% for nights.

    Location:

    Other:

    •Basic knowledge of MS Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint required.

    •May be required to work varying shifts.

    •Bilingual in English and Spanish prefered yet not required.

    Benefits:

    Perks are important, and great benefits are vital. By offering a comprehensive benefits package, we are committed to helping our employees and their families address their healthcare needs, maintain a healthy work/life balance, and build a financially secure future.

    Comprehensive Coverage: Provides access to comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, as well as voluntary benefits and unlimited, confidential access to a personal health advocate.

    Tuition Reimbursement: Employees can receive 100% reimbursement for eligible expenses upon the successful completion of career-related college courses with a grade of B or better.

    Employee Discounts: From travel and leisure opportunities to discounts on everyday expenses, our team members have access to exclusive deals simply for being an employee.

    401(k) with Matching: Offers a generous 401(k) plan to help you prepare for your future. You can contribute up to 75% of your compensation to the IRS maximum. After one year of service, we will match your contributions at a rate of 50% up to 6% of pay.

    Caring About People (CAP) Program: This program provides financial assistance to employees in crisis situations, from providing shelter after a disaster to helping with the costs associated with an unexpected illness. CAP also sponsors volunteer work in the local community.

    Spending Accounts: This allows you to contribute money from your paycheck (on a before-tax basis) to an account you use to pay qualified healthcare and dependent care expenses. We offer two accounts: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

    Location: Longmont, Colorado

  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right call taker for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your call taker job on Zippia to find and recruit call taker candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting call takers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new call taker

    Once you've found the call taker candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new call taker. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire a call taker?

Recruiting call takers involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

The median annual salary for call takers is $38,776 in the US. However, the cost of call taker hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a call taker for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $13 and $24 an hour.

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