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The differences between public safety dispatchers and call takers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a call taker has an average salary of $38,776, which is higher than the $35,063 average annual salary of a public safety dispatcher.
The top three skills for a public safety dispatcher include computer aided dispatch, customer service and CAD. The most important skills for a call taker are computer aided dispatch, taker, and CAD.
| Public Safety Dispatcher | Call Taker | |
| Yearly salary | $35,063 | $38,776 |
| Hourly rate | $16.86 | $18.64 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 25,700 | 11,539 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | High School Diploma, 30% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A public safety dispatcher is primarily responsible for handling emergency or non-emergency calls from the public. They are in charge of identifying the caller's needs calmly and proactively, dispatching law enforcement officers or emergency responders at the scene in a timely and efficient manner. They must operate communications equipment, manage schedules, and quickly adapt to any situation as the calls can be unpredictable and critical. Furthermore, as a public safety dispatcher, it is essential to maintain records of all calls and interactions, adhering to the organization's policies and regulations at all times.
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.
Public safety dispatchers and call takers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Public Safety Dispatcher | Call Taker | |
| Average salary | $35,063 | $38,776 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $46,000 | Between $29,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | Pennsylvania | California |
| Best paying company | City of San Jos | City of San Antonio |
| Best paying industry | Government | Government |
There are a few differences between a public safety dispatcher and a call taker in terms of educational background:
| Public Safety Dispatcher | Call Taker | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | High School Diploma, 30% |
| Most common major | Criminal Justice | Criminal Justice |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between public safety dispatchers' and call takers' demographics:
| Public Safety Dispatcher | Call Taker | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.6% Female, 62.4% | Male, 26.0% Female, 74.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 Percentage | 17% | 17% |