Telecommunicator vs communications dispatcher

The differences between telecommunicators and communications dispatchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a telecommunicator has an average salary of $39,327, which is higher than the $35,153 average annual salary of a communications dispatcher.

The top three skills for a telecommunicator include computer aided dispatch, CAD and EMS. The most important skills for a communications dispatcher are computer aided dispatch, CAD, and emergency situations.

Telecommunicator vs communications dispatcher overview

	Telecommunicator	Communications Dispatcher
Yearly salary	$39,327	$35,153
Hourly rate	$18.91	$16.90
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	4,083	19,172
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 39%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	-	-

What does a telecommunicator do?

A telecommunicator receives calls and obtains information from people in need of assistance. Telecommunicators, also called 911 or public safety dispatchers, use a two-way radio in dispatching the right services to police officers, first responders, and firefighters. The telecommunicators coordinate communications between emergency personnel, police, and the public. They keep detailed records as well as trace drivers and their automobiles. The skills and knowledge necessary for this job include a dispatch system, public safety, and stressful situation management.

What does a communications dispatcher do?

Communications dispatchers are responsible for answering emergency calls and dispatch officials to sort out the situation. They are often called 911 operators or 911 dispatchers and respond to the calls from the public and relay the messages to the medical personnel, police, or the fire staff to the scene of the emergency occasion. Typical duties of communications dispatchers include receiving and responding to emergency calls, recording the calls, evaluating incidents, and prioritizing calls. Their job requires them to earn a certain certification as well as training. Interpersonal and strong listening skills are vital in this field.

Telecommunicator vs communications dispatcher salary

Telecommunicators and communications dispatchers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Telecommunicator	Communications Dispatcher
Average salary	$39,327	$35,153
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $53,000	Between $26,000 And $47,000
Highest paying City	Stockton, CA	Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	City of Detroit	City of Richmond
Best paying industry	Government	Government

Differences between telecommunicator and communications dispatcher education

There are a few differences between a telecommunicator and a communications dispatcher in terms of educational background:

	Telecommunicator	Communications Dispatcher
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 39%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Telecommunicator vs communications dispatcher demographics

Here are the differences between telecommunicators' and communications dispatchers' demographics:

	Telecommunicator	Communications Dispatcher
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 29.0% Female, 71.0%	Male, 29.6% Female, 70.4%
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%

Differences between telecommunicator and communications dispatcher duties and responsibilities

Telecommunicator example responsibilities.

Help organize telecommunication PSAP and back-up PSAP weekly.
Use NCIC and FCIC and provide accurate information for search.
Provide CPR instructions over the phone until emergency personnel arrive at location.
Monitor radio communications at the same time and update cad throughout emergency.
Monitor activities of officers on patrol and makes radio contact to ensure safety.
Maintain licenses to NCIC, FCIC, NLETS and other law enforcement information network.

Communications dispatcher example 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.
Maintain composure and compassion while handling emergency and non-emergency calls from a diverse community
Coordinate the response of ambulances and public safety units to emergency sites or in-progress crime situations.

Telecommunicator vs communications dispatcher skills

Common telecommunicator skills

Computer Aided Dispatch, 14%
CAD, 7%
EMS, 6%
NCIC, 6%
Patrol, 4%
Dispatch System, 4%

Common communications dispatcher skills

Computer Aided Dispatch, 12%
CAD, 8%
Emergency Situations, 5%
CPR, 5%
Dispatch System, 5%
Good Judgment, 5%

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Telecommunicator vs Communications Dispatcher

Updated January 8, 2025

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