How to become a public safety telecommunicator

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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What public safety telecommunicators do

• 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.
• Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
• Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
• 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.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Writing
• Learning Strategies

Is public safety telecommunicator a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 4% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• California $80,120
• Washington $78,850
• Oregon $71,980
• Alaska $66,660
• Minnesota $66,550

Public Safety Telecommunicators salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.