What Public Safety Telecommunicators DoOperate 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.
- 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.
Public Safety Telecommunicators Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED
Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)
Training Time6 months to 1 year
Job Openings10,700 Annually
Median Earnings
$78,210 in California
$50,730 Nationally
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Real Talk Reel
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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Influencing or leading others
- Using data or completing tasks
- Working with my hands
you value
- Accomplishing things
- Having support
- Personal relationships
you are skilled in
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Time Management
- Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Public Safety Telecommunicators Explained
Public Safety TelecommunicatorExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?
Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.
Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
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Administration & SalesThe primary activities of this group involve managing teams and projects, providing administrative support, and selling products or services.