What is an Emergency Dispatcher?
Emergency Dispatcher Example Operate radio, telephone, or computer equipment at emergency response centers. Receive reports from the public of crimes, disturbances, fires, and medical or police emergencies. Relay information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May maintain contact with caller until responders arrive.
Life As an Emergency Dispatcher
- Observe alarm registers and scan maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.
- Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
- Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.
- 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.
- Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.
- Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
Featured schools near , edit
Skills Needed to be an Emergency Dispatcher
Below is a list of the skills most Emergency Dispatchers say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Emergency Dispatcher
- Forest Fire Fighters Dispatcher
- Communications Specialist
- Emergency Medical Dispatcher
- Protective Signal Operator
- 911 Emergency Dispatcher
Job Demand for Emergency Dispatchers
In the United States, there were 98,600 jobs for Emergency Dispatcher in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,100 new jobs for Emergency Dispatcher by 2026. The BLS estimates 10,000 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Emergency Dispatcher are Utah, Texas, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maryland, or District of Columbia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Emergency Dispatcher Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Emergency Dispatchers is somewhere between $26,590 and $63,930.
Emergency Dispatchers who work in California, Alaska, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Emergency Dispatchers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $32,280 |
| Alaska | $59,640 |
| Arizona | $41,310 |
| Arkansas | $29,660 |
| California | $65,530 |
| Colorado | $48,710 |
| Connecticut | $55,520 |
| Delaware | $44,980 |
| District of Columbia | $50,600 |
| Florida | $42,300 |
| Georgia | $32,480 |
| Hawaii | $46,990 |
| Idaho | $39,070 |
| Illinois | $52,010 |
| Indiana | $37,360 |
| Iowa | $47,680 |
| Kansas | $34,930 |
| Kentucky | $35,660 |
| Louisiana | $33,530 |
| Maine | $40,920 |
| Maryland | $47,380 |
| Massachusetts | $49,090 |
| Michigan | $42,510 |
| Minnesota | $56,490 |
| Mississippi | $26,930 |
| Missouri | $36,960 |
| Montana | $39,310 |
| Nebraska | $37,420 |
| Nevada | $53,140 |
| New Hampshire | $45,230 |
| New Jersey | $47,480 |
| New Mexico | $36,600 |
| New York | $47,600 |
| North Carolina | $35,720 |
| North Dakota | $44,490 |
| Ohio | $44,480 |
| Oklahoma | $31,500 |
| Oregon | $56,220 |
| Pennsylvania | $40,980 |
| Rhode Island | $47,740 |
| South Carolina | $32,660 |
| South Dakota | $36,430 |
| Tennessee | $36,940 |
| Texas | $38,740 |
| Utah | $38,430 |
| Vermont | $45,180 |
| Virginia | $39,000 |
| Washington | $57,440 |
| West Virginia | $30,320 |
| Wisconsin | $44,130 |
| Wyoming | $41,590 |
What Tools do Emergency Dispatchers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Emergency Dispatchers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- National Crime Information Center NCIC database
- Law enforcement information databases
- Computer aided dispatch software
How do I Become an Emergency Dispatcher?
Learn what Emergency Dispatcher education requirements there are.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Emergency Dispatcher?
Emergency Dispatchers Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs.
Visit School
BusinessDegreeCentral.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© BusinessDegreeCentral.com – All Rights Reserved.