How much does a Emergency Dispatcher make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Emergency Dispatcher?

-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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?

-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.



