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How much does a Emergency Dispatcher make?

The average salary for a Emergency Dispatcher is $55,274 per year in the US.

An Emergency Dispatcher helps people in need by connecting them with emergency services. This role can be very rewarding, and the salary reflects the importance of the work. The average yearly salary for an Emergency Dispatcher is around $55,274. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific employer.

Some dispatchers earn less than $32,000 a year, while others make over $100,000. Most dispatchers fall somewhere in between. The top earners typically have more experience and additional certifications. Different regions also offer different salaries. For instance, urban areas often pay more than rural areas. Each of these factors plays a role in determining the exact salary.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Emergency Dispatcher?

Job seekers looking for Emergency Dispatcher roles can find top pay in several cities. San Francisco, CA, leads with an average salary of $109,959, offering a lucrative opportunity. Other high-paying locations include Fresno, CA, and San Diego, CA, where salaries also exceed $60,000 annually. These cities provide not only higher earnings but also a chance to make a significant impact. Competitive wages attract skilled professionals to these areas, making them ideal for those seeking a rewarding career.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Emergency Dispatcher jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $109,959 and Denver, CO with the lowest at $58,780.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $109,959
    In San Francisco, communicators play a crucial role in ensuring safety with rapid response teams. Positions are available with major companies like AT&T and emergency services providers. The city's unique environment requires sharp skills and quick thinking.
    Find Emergency Dispatcher jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $73,957
    Fresno offers a chance to aid the community with prompt communication skills. Key employers include Central Valley Ambulance and local police departments. The area values professionals who can handle high-pressure situations effectively.
    Find Emergency Dispatcher jobs in Fresno, CA


  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $71,578
    San Diego provides an opportunity to support emergency services for both land and sea. Companies like SDG&E seek dispatchers who can manage multiple calls with precision. The city’s diverse environment needs adaptable and focused individuals.
    Find Emergency Dispatcher jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $67,879
    In Reno, dispatchers work closely with law enforcement and emergency medical services. Employers such as the Reno Police Department value professionals who can multitask and stay calm under pressure. The city's expanding nature offers growth opportunities.
    Find Emergency Dispatcher jobs in Reno, NV


  5. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $67,415
    Portland offers dispatchers a chance to assist with various emergencies across the city. Employers like Portland Fire & Rescue look for candidates who can communicate clearly and efficiently. The city’s vibrant community needs reliable and quick-thinking responders.
    Find Emergency Dispatcher jobs in Portland, OR


  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $65,149
    In Washington, DC, communicators play a key role in maintaining public safety. Major employers include the District's Emergency Medical Services and Metropolitan Police Department. The city’s political and tourist-heavy environment requires detail-oriented and resourceful professionals.
    Find Emergency Dispatcher jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $62,139
    Boston provides an opportunity to support emergency services in a historic city. Employers such as Boston Emergency Medical Services look for professionals who can handle high-volume calls effectively. The city’s dynamic environment demands adaptable and dedicated responders.
    Find Emergency Dispatcher jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Pueblo, CO
    Average Salary: $61,394
    Pueblo offers a chance for dispatchers to aid in emergency response services. Employers like Pueblo Police and Pueblo Fire Rescue seek reliable individuals who can manage calls with care. The city’s supportive community values professionals who can act swiftly and precisely.
    Find Emergency Dispatcher jobs in Pueblo, CO


  9. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $61,334
    In Baltimore, dispatchers assist with a variety of emergencies, working closely with law enforcement and emergency medical services. Employers such as the Baltimore Police Department value candidates who can handle calls with compassion and efficiency. The city’s urban environment requires knowledgeable and dependable responders.
    Find Emergency Dispatcher jobs in Baltimore, MD


  10. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $58,780
    Denver provides an opportunity for dispatchers to support emergency services in a growing city. Employers like Denver Public Safety and Denver Health look for professionals who can handle multiple calls with accuracy. The city’s diverse environment offers growth and learning opportunities.
    Find Emergency Dispatcher jobs in Denver, CO

What are the best companies a Emergency Dispatcher can work for?

Emergency dispatchers often seek the best-paying options for job security and growth. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers an average salary of $77,646, making it a top choice. Other notable employers include the State of Colorado, where salaries average $64,130, and the State of Nevada, with an average of $62,967. These positions provide excellent benefits and opportunities for career advancement. The Colorado Department of Public Safety and the State of Iowa also offer competitive salaries, making them attractive for job seekers. The U.S. National Park Service and the State of Alaska are other options with solid pay and benefits.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Emergency Dispatcher jobs, highlighting Commonwealth of Massachusetts with the highest at $77,646 and North Texas Tollway Authority with the lowest at $51,714.
  1. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    Average Salary: $77,646
    The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers rewarding Emergency Dispatcher jobs. These positions are vital in ensuring public safety across the state. Locations include Boston, Worcester, and Springfield, providing diverse career opportunities.


  2. State of Colorado
    Average Salary: $64,130
    In the State of Colorado, Emergency Dispatchers play a crucial role in coordinating emergency responses. They work in various cities, including Denver and Colorado Springs, ensuring efficient and effective emergency communication.


  3. State of Nevada
    Average Salary: $62,967
    The State of Nevada employs Emergency Dispatchers who are key in managing emergency calls across the state. They serve cities such as Las Vegas and Reno, where they help keep the community safe and secure.


  4. Colorado Department of Public Safety
    Average Salary: $62,945
    At the Colorado Department of Public Safety, Emergency Dispatchers are essential in providing immediate assistance. They operate in several locations, including Denver and Fort Collins, playing a critical role in public safety.


  5. State of Iowa
    Average Salary: $61,172
    The State of Iowa offers Emergency Dispatcher positions that focus on rapid response. These dispatchers serve cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, ensuring swift and effective emergency support.


  6. State of Alaska
    Average Salary: $57,256
    In the State of Alaska, Emergency Dispatchers are integral in emergency communication. They work in areas such as Anchorage and Fairbanks, providing essential support to the community.


  7. U.S. National Park Service
    Average Salary: $56,468
    The U.S. National Park Service employs Emergency Dispatchers who manage emergency calls in national parks. They serve locations such as Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, ensuring visitor safety and park security.


  8. State of Michigan
    Average Salary: $52,071
    In the State of Michigan, Emergency Dispatchers help coordinate emergency services across the state. They operate in cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids, ensuring timely and effective emergency responses.


  9. Forestry Department
    Average Salary: $52,014
    The Forestry Department hires Emergency Dispatchers who assist in coordinating emergency services in forest areas. They serve locations across the state, ensuring the safety of both the environment and the public.


  10. North Texas Tollway Authority
    Average Salary: $51,714
    The North Texas Tollway Authority offers Emergency Dispatcher positions that focus on highway and toll road emergencies. They operate in cities like Dallas and Fort Worth, ensuring safety and efficiency on the roads.

How to earn more as a Emergency Dispatcher?

Increasing earnings as an emergency dispatcher often involves a combination of experience, education, and specialized skills. This role is crucial, as dispatchers handle life-and-death situations. By focusing on key areas, professionals can enhance their career prospects and salary potential.

Firstly, gaining relevant certifications can set apart a dispatcher. Certifications like the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) offer credibility. These courses cover vital skills and knowledge. They often lead to higher job opportunities. Secondly, obtaining additional certifications in areas such as mental health first aid can add value. This can make a dispatcher more versatile in crisis situations. Thirdly, experience plays a big role. Working in high-pressure environments like big cities can lead to more job offers. Experience helps in handling calls more efficiently. Fourthly, advancing to supervisory or management roles can increase earnings. These positions typically come with higher salaries. Lastly, continuing education is key. Keeping skills up-to-date ensures a dispatcher remains competitive in the job market.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as an emergency dispatcher:

  • Obtain relevant certifications such as NENA accreditations.
  • Get specialized training in areas like mental health first aid.
  • Gain experience in high-pressure environments like large cities.
  • Advance to supervisory roles for higher salaries.
  • Pursue continuous education to stay current with industry changes.

Currently 152 Emergency Dispatcher job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Emergency Dispatcher in the US?

Learn what a Emergency Dispatcher does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Emergency Dispatcher today.
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Emergency Dispatcher
152 Job Openings