Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 99,500 people employed as public safety telecommunicators in the United States. The median annual salary is $46,670. Entry level employees earn approximately $29,340 per year and senior employees earn approximately $63,940 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Monitor various radio frequencies, such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense, to stay apprised of developing situations.
• Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.
• Maintain files of information relating to emergency calls, such as personnel rosters and emergency call-out and pager files.
• Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
• Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
• Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
• Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
• Receive incoming telephone or alarm system calls regarding emergency and non-emergency police and fire service, emergency ambulance service, information, and after-hours calls for departments within a city.
• Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.
• Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
• Observe alarm registers and scan maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.
• Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.
• Learn material and pass required tests for certification.
• Answer routine inquiries, and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.
• Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
• Operate and maintain mobile dispatch vehicles and equipment.
• Monitor alarm systems to detect emergencies, such as fires and illegal entry into establishments.
• Test and adjust communication and alarm systems, and report malfunctions to maintenance units.

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