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Public Safety Telecommunicators

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$53,040

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$37k – $80k

Job outlook

+4% (faster than average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

Estimate

Cost to qualify

$500–$3,150

Time to qualify

1 yr

Renewal

—

  1. 1

    High school diploma or GED

    Course

    Expected by most employers; if you need the GED, test fees run $0–$150 depending on the state.

    $0–$150 · 3 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    On-the-job training

    Experience

    Employer-provided and typically paid — days to a few months for most no-degree roles.

    Cost varies · 3 months source

  3. 3

    Industry certification (optional for many roles)

    Certification

    Role-dependent — e.g. CPA, Series 7/65, PMP, SHRM. Not always required, but often expected for advancement.

    $500–$3,000 · 6 months source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Public Safety Telecommunicators" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Public Safety Telecommunicators

    Entry / Junior

    $37,320

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Public Safety Telecommunicators

    Established

    $53,040

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Public Safety Telecommunicators

    Senior

    $66,435

Key skills

A typical 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.

Fields of study

Any field

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.