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What's the salary outlook for Public Safety Telecommunicator and is it growing?

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Human Resources & ConsultingStable

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Operational-level

Also known as: 911 Dispatcher, 911 Emergency Dispatcher, 911 Emergency Services Dispatcher, 911 Operator

Human Resources & ConsultingBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.
Emergency Communications911 DispatchPublic SafetyEmergency ServicesCriminal JusticeEmergency ManagementCommunicationsCustomer ServiceOperations

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) just before 7 AM, nodding to the security guard. The dim lighting and multiple monitor glows are familiar. You settle into your assigned console, log into the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, and power up your multiple screens. You pull on your headset, adjusting the microphone. Sarah from the night shift gives you a quick rundown of ongoing incidents, mostly traffic complaints and a few non-emergency calls pending. Then, the first line lights up.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

In-demand software
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+3.7%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

9,000

per year (US)

Jobs today

105,600

in 2025 → 109,500 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
High
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

The job outlook for Public Safety Telecommunicators is stable, with about 9,000 job openings projected each year through 2035. You can expect a median annual wage of $53,040 in this important field. This career offers a consistent path for those dedicated to emergency response.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Call Center Operator
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Administrative Assistant

Where it can lead

  • 911 Center Supervisor
  • Emergency Management Coordinator
  • Telecommunicator Trainer

Impact of AI on this Job

AI may assist public safety telecommunicators by automating routine information gathering, call triage, and providing real-time language translation for non-English speakers. However, the critical human judgment, empathy, and ability to handle complex, ambiguous, and emotionally charged emergency situations will remain indispensable. AI tools could enhance efficiency and data analysis but are unlikely to replace the human element in crisis communication.