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Public Safety Telecommunicators

General Information

Description

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.

Business Breakdown

People in this career work in these sectors.

  1. State and local government86.71%
  2. Private, for profit6.94%
  3. Federal government4.84%
  4. Private, not for profit1.40%
  5. Self-employed0.11%

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

Job Outlook

Projected Job Growth (2022 - 2032)
+3%
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Job Outlook

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Employment of public safety telecommunicators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 10,400 openings for public safety telecommunicators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Similar Careers

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$46,900

State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

Salary Range Salary varies based on years of experience, degree level and location.

$23,150
$72,780
No Information for this section

Education & Interests

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • High school 63%
  • Some college 11%
  • Associate's degree 10%
  • Post-secondary certificate 10%
  • Bachelor's degree 4%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

You may find this career fulfilling if you consider yourself to be:

  • Conventional — You have an interest in following procedures and regulations to organize information or data.
  • Realistic — You have an interest in physically working with equipment, materials or structures.
  • Enterprising — You have an interest in managing, negotiating and marketing, or leading and advising others.

Not sure what characteristics best describe you? Take the RIASEC Test.

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Administrative
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Psychology

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.