Telecommunicator vs fire dispatcher

The differences between telecommunicators and fire 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 $37,441 average annual salary of a fire dispatcher.

The top three skills for a telecommunicator include computer aided dispatch, CAD and EMS. The most important skills for a fire dispatcher are BLM, computer applications, and computer aided dispatch.

Telecommunicator vs fire dispatcher overview

	Telecommunicator	Fire Dispatcher
Yearly salary	$39,327	$37,441
Hourly rate	$18.91	$18.00
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	4,083	7,959
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 39%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
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 fire dispatcher do?

Fire dispatchers or call operators are the people you hear when you call 911 or any emergency number. They evaluate your calls to determine whether or not you need the assistance of a firefighter. Dispatchers play an important role in an emergency or non-emergency response. Fire dispatchers provide life-saving medical instructions, send ambulances and firetrucks, and, if needed, police. And yet, despite all the hysterics, these dispatchers must remain calm and collected to get and provide valuable information. A dispatcher must have good communication skills, a high moral character and integrity, emotional self-control, and empathy.

Telecommunicator vs fire dispatcher salary

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

	Telecommunicator	Fire Dispatcher
Average salary	$39,327	$37,441
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $53,000	Between $28,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City	Stockton, CA	Grants Pass, OR
Highest paying state	California	Oregon
Best paying company	City of Detroit	Mayor Ethan Berkowitz
Best paying industry	Government	Government

Differences between telecommunicator and fire dispatcher education

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

	Telecommunicator	Fire Dispatcher
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 39%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Telecommunicator vs fire dispatcher demographics

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

	Telecommunicator	Fire Dispatcher
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 29.0% Female, 71.0%	Male, 36.6% Female, 63.4%
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 fire 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.

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Fire dispatcher example responsibilities.

Certify as APCO Telecommunicator and APCO EMD.
Dispatch police, fire, and ems to location for resident assistance.
Dispatch fire and ems as needed as well as the fire marshals.
Check for wanted/warrants using NCIC, ALACOP, and computer generate warrant lists.
Perform warrant checks when request through the ACIC and NCIC criminal information centers.
Save an infant by telling the mother how to give CPR to the non-responsive infant.

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Telecommunicator vs fire dispatcher skills

Common telecommunicator skills

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

Common fire dispatcher skills

BLM, 20%
Computer Applications, 16%
Computer Aided Dispatch, 6%
Firefighting, 5%
EMS, 5%
CAD, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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