How To Become A Communications Dispatcher: What It Is and Career Path

What is a communications dispatcher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A communications dispatcher is responsible for responding to emergency calls and sending out authorities to resolve the situation. They answer calls from the public and coordinate police, fire or medical personnel to the scene of an incident. They also question callers in order to prioritize the emergency response and handle emergency calls for public works departments that come in when those offices are closed.

Communications dispatchers earn an average salary of $40,000 annually or $19 per hour. They may use a computer database to look up a suspect's criminal record or to check a vehicle's registration. They also maintain records of all calls and dispatches and deliver messages between the callers at the scene of the emergency, responders, and others who need to be informed.

Communications dispatchers typically hold a high school diploma or a GED certificate. They are expected to have some years of experience as a communications dispatcher or in a similar role. Some employers prefer candidates who have completed certification courses through professional associations and update their training periodically.

ScoreCommunications DispatcherUS Average

Salary

2.7

Avg. Salary $35,153

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

10.0

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.72%

Asian 0.90%

Black or African American 9.14%

Hispanic or Latino 11.11%

Unknown 6.00%

White 72.13%

Gender

female 70.38%

male 29.62%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress level

10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

4.9

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

8.7

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a communications dispatcher

Explore communications dispatcher education requirements

Most common communications dispatcher degrees

Bachelor's

39.6 %

Associate

27.8 %

High School Diploma

20.7 %

Start to develop specific communications dispatcher skills

Skills	Percentages
Computer Aided Dispatch	11.76%
CAD	7.86%
Emergency Situations	5.30%
CPR	5.02%
Dispatch System	4.94%

Complete relevant communications dispatcher training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New communications dispatchers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a communications dispatcher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real communications dispatcher resumes.

Research communications dispatcher duties and 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.

Prepare your communications dispatcher resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your communications dispatcher resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a communications dispatcher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable communications dispatcher resume templates

Build a professional communications dispatcher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your communications dispatcher resume.