What Do Emergency Dispatcher Do?
Emergency Dispatcher Definition 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.
Emergency Dispatcher Responsibilities
- Answer routine inquiries, and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.
- Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
- Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
- Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.
- Observe alarm registers and scan maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.
- Monitor various radio frequencies such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense to keep apprised of developing situations.
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Emergency Dispatcher Needed Skills
Emergency Dispatchers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Telecommunications Specialist
- Communications Supervisor
- Dispatch Specialist
- Communications Specialist
- Public Safety Dispatcher
Emergency Dispatcher Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 98,600 jobs in the United States for Emergency Dispatcher. 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. There will be an estimated 10,000 positions for Emergency Dispatcher per year.
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.
What is the Average Salary of an Emergency Dispatcher
The average yearly salary of an Emergency Dispatcher ranges 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 & Technology 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
Becoming an Emergency Dispatcher
What education or degrees do I need to become an Emergency Dispatcher?
What work experience do I need to become an Emergency Dispatcher?
Who Employs Emergency Dispatchers?
The table below shows the approximate number of Emergency Dispatchers employed by various industries.
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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