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What is an emergency telecommunications dispatcher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an emergency telecommunications dispatcher. For example, did you know that they make an average of $18.54 an hour? That's $38,561 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 3,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreEmergency Telecommunications DispatcherUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $38,561

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 72.13%

male 27.87%

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

Emergency telecommunications dispatcher career paths

Key steps to become an emergency telecommunications dispatcher

  1. Explore emergency telecommunications dispatcher education requirements

    Most common emergency telecommunications dispatcher degrees

    Bachelor's

    37.8 %

    High School Diploma

    25.6 %

    Associate

    23.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific emergency telecommunications dispatcher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    EMS13.23%
    Computer Aided Dispatch10.55%
    CPR8.98%
    Public Safety Agencies7.27%
    CAD5.71%
  3. Complete relevant emergency telecommunications dispatcher training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New emergency telecommunications 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 an emergency telecommunications dispatcher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real emergency telecommunications dispatcher resumes.
  4. Gain additional emergency telecommunications dispatcher certifications

    Emergency telecommunications dispatcher certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific emergency telecommunications dispatcher certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for emergency telecommunications dispatchers include Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Emergency Fire Dispatcher Certification (EFD).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research emergency telecommunications dispatcher duties and responsibilities

    • Perform EMD protocols for injure subscribers.
    • Provide assistance in accordance with state mandates of EMD.
    • Provide medical instruction to those on the scene of the emergency until the EMT's arrive.
    • Display patience, caring, and understanding until police, fire, or ems arrive on the scene.
  6. Prepare your emergency telecommunications dispatcher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your emergency telecommunications 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 an emergency telecommunications 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 emergency telecommunications dispatcher resume templates

    Build a professional emergency telecommunications 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 emergency telecommunications dispatcher resume.
    Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher Resume
    Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher Resume
    Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher Resume
    Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher Resume
    Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher Resume
    Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher Resume
    Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher Resume
    Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher Resume
    Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher Resume
  7. Apply for emergency telecommunications dispatcher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an emergency telecommunications dispatcher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first emergency telecommunications dispatcher job

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Average emergency telecommunications dispatcher salary

The average emergency telecommunications dispatcher salary in the United States is $38,561 per year or $19 per hour. Emergency telecommunications dispatcher salaries range between $28,000 and $51,000 per year.

Average emergency telecommunications dispatcher salary
$38,561 Yearly
$18.54 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do emergency telecommunications dispatchers rate their job?

-/5

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4 stars

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Emergency telecommunications dispatcher reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2022
Pros

Working from home makes life much easier to manage.

Cons

Pay is not a liveable wage.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

Brief the point of contact between customer and driver

Cons

Micromanagement from those who think they are superior


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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Pros

Quick paced, professional environment Troubleshooting. Assisting peers with any issues they might have.

Cons

Micromanagment from superiors.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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