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Communications operator vs emergency dispatcher

The differences between communications operators and emergency dispatchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an emergency dispatcher has an average salary of $36,748, which is higher than the $31,491 average annual salary of a communications operator.

The top three skills for a communications operator include patients, customer service and emergency situations. The most important skills for an emergency dispatcher are computer aided dispatch, EMS, and customer service.

Communications operator vs emergency dispatcher overview

Communications OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Yearly salary$31,491$36,748
Hourly rate$15.14$17.67
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs48,50929,409
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age5339
Years of experience2-

Communications operator vs emergency dispatcher salary

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

Communications OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Average salary$31,491$36,748
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $40,000Between $27,000 And $49,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAAllentown, PA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaPennsylvania
Best paying companyCity of Round RockClean Harbors
Best paying industryGovernmentGovernment

Differences between communications operator and emergency dispatcher education

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

Communications OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorBusinessCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Communications operator vs emergency dispatcher demographics

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

Communications OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Average age5339
Gender ratioMale, 39.6% Female, 60.4%Male, 34.8% Female, 65.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 3.8% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%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 Percentage19%17%

Differences between communications operator and emergency dispatcher duties and responsibilities

Communications operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage busy company switchboard, operating PBX or private branch exchange systems to facilitate connections.
  • Perform NCIC, DMV, warrant and missing person checks for police officers in the field.
  • Supervise telecommunication operations and reinforce the confidentiality in telecommunications.
  • Dispatch ambulances, tow trucks, fire department, aid cars, and other aid as requested, maintain appropriate record.
  • Utilize``new media,``including blogging, a collective photo site, intellipedia, and instant messaging.
  • Work dispatch for DPS Pecos and DPS San Angelo ,
  • Show more

Emergency dispatcher example responsibilities.

  • Perform (EMD) emergency medical dispatch procedures until the police, fire fighters or paramedics arrive.
  • Receive emergency and non emergency calls via telephone, TDD or radio.
  • Assist with over the phone medical instruction, CPR instruction, and traumatic emergencies.
  • Coordinate response of ambulances and public safety units to emergency sites or in-progress crime situations.
  • Coordinate response of ambulances, fire, and police units to emergencies and in-progress crime situations.
  • Assist with leading callers through various procedures such as CPR while waiting for units to arrive on scene.
  • Show more

Communications operator vs emergency dispatcher skills

Common communications operator skills
  • Patients, 14%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Emergency Situations, 6%
  • PBX, 5%
  • Public Safety, 4%
  • Non-Emergency Calls, 4%
Common emergency dispatcher skills
  • Computer Aided Dispatch, 12%
  • EMS, 6%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • CAD, 6%
  • Public Safety Agencies, 6%
  • Non-Emergency Telephone Calls, 6%

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