Public Safety Telecommunicators are responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls, gathering information from callers, and dispatching the appropriate emergency services such as police, fire, or medical personnel. Their job description typically includes: 1. Answering incoming emergency and non-emergency calls. 2. Determining the nature and location of the emergency. 3. Collecting essential information from callers. 4. Providing pre-arrival instructions to callers in emergencies. 5. Dispatching and coordinating the response of emergency services. 6. Monitoring and tracking the status and location of emergency responders. 7. Communicating with field units to provide updated information. 8. Documenting all relevant information accurately. 9. Operating communication equipment effectively. 10. Following established protocols and procedures. 11. Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times. 12. Collaborating with other emergency response agencies. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring timely and appropriate responses to emergencies, helping save lives and property.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $36,240.00 |
25th percentile | $36,780.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $39,320.00 |
75th percentile | $40,220.00 |
90th percentile | $56,260.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $17.42 |
25th percentile | $17.68 |
median (50th percentile) | $18.90 |
75th percentile | $19.34 |
90th percentile | $27.05 |
Public Safety Telecommunicators typically require a high school diploma or GED as a minimum educational requirement, with some agencies preferring post-secondary education in a related field such as criminal justice or communications. While a college degree is not always mandatory, possessing strong communication skills, multitasking abilities, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are essential for this role. Training for Public Safety Telecommunicators often includes a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. This encompasses learning emergency procedures, call-handling techniques, radio communication protocols, stress management, computer-aided dispatch systems, confidentiality laws, and geographic information systems (GIS) mapping. Additionally, trainees usually undergo simulations to prepare them for real-world emergency situations, ensuring they can effectively respond to various crises.