🛡️ Public Safety ↑ 6% growth · Faster than average

911 Dispatcher / Emergency Communications Officer

911 dispatchers are the first first responders — the calm, decisive voices that gather critical information and send help in life-or-death situations. It's a high-stress, deeply meaningful career that provides exceptional job security and strong benefits in government employment.

$46,020 Median Salary
98K US Jobs
3–6 months Training
$500–$3,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$33,000
Median
$46,020
Experienced
$66,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

6%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Faster than average
98K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
EMD
Required Credential
EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) Certification + APCO or NENA

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Public Safety Communications Training
Program Length
3–6 months
Typical Tuition
$500–$3,000
Work Setting
911 call centers, public safety answering points (PSAPs)
🏆 Credential Required: EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) Certification + APCO or NENA

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a 911 Dispatcher / Emergency Communications Officer involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a 911 call centers environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ 911 Dispatcher / Emergency Communications Officer by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC