Public Safety Telecommunicator

Explore This Path

Be the vital link in emergency response, ensuring help reaches those in need swiftly.
Make a real impact by coordinating life-saving responses in critical situations.
Use advanced communication tools to manage emergencies and support public safety.

💰 Earn $62K-$88K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 4% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

11,500 Annually

Median Earnings

$75,070 in California

$48,890 Nationally

$25K

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Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Public Safety Telecommunicator? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@cassandraawebb

@jasminebell1503

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Time Management

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having support
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An 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