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Job outlook for emergency medical dispatchers in the United States
Emergency medical dispatcher job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected emergency medical dispatcher job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 3,600 new jobs for emergency medical dispatchers are projected over the next decade.
Emergency medical dispatcher salaries have increased 11% for emergency medical dispatchers in the last 5 years.
There are over 30,058 emergency medical dispatchers currently employed in the United States.
There are 69,103 active emergency medical dispatcher job openings in the US.
The average emergency medical dispatcher salary is $38,255.
Are emergency medical dispatcher jobs in demand?
Emergency medical dispatcher job and salary trends over time
Emergency medical dispatcher jobs over time
Emergency medical dispatcher job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 30,058 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 28,893 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 29,522 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 29,429 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 29,562 | 0.01% |
Average emergency medical dispatcher salary over time
Emergency medical dispatcher salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,255 | $18.39 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $37,036 | $17.81 | +3.1% |
| 2023 | $35,931 | $17.27 | +2.6% |
| 2022 | $35,030 | $16.84 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $34,349 | $16.51 | +2.3% |
Emergency medical dispatcher jobs by state
Most common states for emergency medical dispatchers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 182 | 26% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,058 | 19% |
| 3 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 384 | 18% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 174 | 18% |
| 5 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,628 | 16% |
| 6 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 279 | 16% |
| 7 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,858 | 15% |
| 8 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 924 | 15% |
| 9 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 407 | 14% |
| 10 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 589 | 13% |
| 11 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 241 | 13% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,030 | 12% |
| 13 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 365 | 12% |
| 14 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 558 | 11% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 4,101 | 10% |
| 16 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 262 | 9% |
| 17 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 94 | 7% |
| 18 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 76 | 6% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 47 | 6% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 28 | 5% |
Most common cities for emergency medical dispatchers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hallandale Beach | 1 | 3% | $34,486 |
| 2 | Lawrence | 2 | 2% | $39,961 |
| 3 | Belleville | 1 | 2% | $46,344 |
| 4 | Bethesda | 1 | 2% | $37,328 |
| 5 | Bowling Green | 1 | 2% | $28,891 |
| 6 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $40,001 |
| 7 | Clinton | 1 | 1% | $37,963 |
| 8 | Cincinnati | 1 | 0% | $30,412 |
| 9 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $38,508 |
| 10 | Tacoma | 1 | 0% | $46,775 |
Emergency Medical Dispatcher job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of emergency medical dispatcher experts
University of North Texas
Austin Community College
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
NENA
Shawn Steadman
What general advice would you give to an Emergency Medical Dispatcher?
Shawn Steadman: Having a degree is now becoming a preliminary requirement in the industry. However, the expectation that is becoming more prevalent is a combination of degree and experience. Experience can be gained by volunteering with agencies and organizations during the degree seeking years. This will provide the graduate with an advantage when looking for a position after graduation. In addition, don’t forget the openings in the private sector, not just the public sector. Many organizations perform the same functions as traditional public emergency managers but refer to it as risk management and business continuity. It is no surprise that private sector entities can offer more attractive salaries. There are direct correlations to the financial impact of disasters on their specific organization.
What Emergency Medical Dispatcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Shawn Steadman: The industry or field is growing exponentially. More and more organizations are realizing the value of emergency management and homeland security professionals in aiding their planning and operations. An area experiencing extreme growth is situational awareness and, more specifically, GIS and AI in assisting Command in managing disasters. This influx of technology includes the use of small, uncrewed aviation systems (sUAS) or drones and cyber security. There should be a balance between management skills and technological skills for individuals in the field. This rapid growth and technological advancement present exciting opportunities for learning and career development.
What general advice would you give to an Emergency Medical Dispatcher?
Elyse Zavar PhD: Prior to entering the field, gaining hands-on experience through internships and volunteer opportunities can help new professionals not only stand out in the job market, but many employers will recognize and count these as years of experience thus increasing salaries. When offered a position, research comparable salaries and do not be afraid to negotiate salary, among other benefits, when discussing a job offer.
What Emergency Medical Dispatcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elyse Zavar PhD: Skills working with people will always be critical for professionals in homeland security. Along with that, the ability to learn and adapt are vital in a dynamic field with evolving technology, emergent hazards, and changing policies. In the next 3-5 years, we will only see increased demand for these skills, especially as climate change continues to alter hazards and risks.
What will help Emergency Medical Dispatchers increase their earning potential?
Elyse Zavar PhD: At the core of the field of Emergency Management, and more broadly Homeland Security, is the goal to keep people and communities safe. To do this well, we have to know our communities which requires meeting stakeholders, asking questions, and listening to their experiences. I encourage all new professionals to build a professional network of individuals with diverse experiences who can serve as mentors and resources as you progress throughout your career. And then, as you do advance, reach back out to early career professionals to assist them with their professional development.
What type of skills will young Emergency Medical Dispatchers need?
Don Gwynn: In addition to the necessary skills (vascular access, airway management, medication administration, cardiovascular skills, assessment, to name a few), our students graduate with the essential prehospital scene leadership skills and the ability to run medical calls effectively. This requires effective communication, social interaction, and teamwork skills.
How do you envision technology impacting Emergency Medical Dispatchers in the next 5 years?
Bill Seifarth: The National Registry envisions technology impacting the field of EMS in many ways over the next several years. In fact, over the next five years, the National Registry will continue to explore the path of Technology Enhanced Items (TEIs) and other technology to enhance the authenticity of our examinations and to make them even more like situations practitioners will encounter in the field.
Additionally, the National Registry is examining different technologies to better develop and enhance the concept of continued competency throughout a practitioner's career. Some of those include virtual and augmented reality and enhanced apps to tailor the recertification process to each practitioner. The advancement of technology is exciting, and the National Registry will continue to explore ways to take advantage of it to better the EMRs, EMTs, Advanced EMTs, and Paramedics that protect the public.
What type of skills will young Emergency Medical Dispatchers need?
April Heinze: If graduates are looking for a position within public safety communications, some skills and abilities they would need include, but are not limited to, the following:
Skills:
-Keyboarding/Typing
-Multitasking
-Decision-making
-Critical thinking
-Verbal and written communication skills
-Ability to work as a team
-Active listening/hearing
-Customer service
-Call control
-Conflict resolution
-Problem-solving
-Analytical
-Troubleshooting
Abilities:
-Quick decision-making
-Empathy
-Respect
-Patience
-Even-temper
-Integrity
-Lifelong learner
-Dependable
-Flexible
-Efficient
-Detail-oriented
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Emergency Medical Dispatchers to find work opportunities?
April Heinze: There are job opportunities within the public safety communications field all across the United States. Prospective candidates simply need to go to the local, county, and/or state municipality websites and search for job vacancies.
How do you envision technology impacting Emergency Medical Dispatchers in the next 5 years?
April Heinze: There will be many advances in technology within 9-1-1 over the next five years. As communications devices advance, so must the ability to receive emergency communications from those devices. Throughout the United States, 9-1-1 is in the process of migrating from the legacy copper wire telephony systems, used today in most 9-1-1 centers, to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1), which is an IP based technology that will allow for pictures, video, and data-rich communications to be delivered to public safety communications professionals.