Public Safety Telecommunicators

SOC code 43-5031 · O*NET-SOC 43-5031.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Office and administration

Public Safety Telecommunicators pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$53,040

a year

Hourly

$25.50

per hour

10th$37,320Median$53,04090th$79,830

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$56,740

$27.28 per hour

Middle 50%

$45,210 – $64,260

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$37,320 – $79,830

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

102,500

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $37,320; $17.94/hr
25th percentile: $45,210; $21.74/hr
Median percentile: $53,040; $25.50/hr
75th percentile: $64,260; $30.90/hr
90th percentile: $79,830; $38.38/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+3%

Growing about as fast as average

105,200

jobs in 2024

108,900

projected for 2034

About 3,700 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a public safety telecommunicator 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
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.
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.
Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
Monitor various radio frequencies, such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense, to stay apprised of developing situations.
Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.

How to become a public safety telecommunicator

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 63% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)63%
Some College Courses11%
Post-Secondary Certificate11%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree10%

Common questions

How much does a public safety telecommunicator earn?

The national median is $53,040 a year. The full range runs from $37,320 at the 10th percentile to $79,830 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a public safety telecommunicator without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is public safety telecommunicator in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 3% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening4.4/5
Speaking4.1/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5
Reading Comprehension3.6/5
Active Learning3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Public Safety and Security4.9/5
Law and Government4.5/5
English Language4.5/5
Telecommunications4.5/5
Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
Geography4.3/5
Communications and Media4.2/5
Computers and Electronics4.0/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Service Orientation, Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving.