Public Safety Telecommunicators

SOC: 43-5031 O*NET: 43-5031.00
Median Salary
$50,730
per year
Job Growth
➑️ 3.5%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
10.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2

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.

Overview

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.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Distribution by Percentile

Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.

10th
$30,438
25th
$40,584
50th (Median)
$50,730
75th
$60,876
90th
$76,095

Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.

Typical Benefits Package

Health & Wellness

  • βœ“Health Insurance
  • βœ“Dental Insurance
  • βœ“Vision Insurance
  • βœ“Mental Health Support
  • βœ“Wellness Programs

Financial Benefits

  • βœ“401(k) Retirement Plan
  • βœ“Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
  • βœ“Profit Sharing
  • βœ“Stock Options
  • βœ“Performance Bonuses

Work-Life Balance

  • βœ“Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
  • βœ“Paid Sick Leave
  • βœ“Flexible Work Arrangements
  • βœ“Remote Work Options
  • βœ“Parental Leave

Professional Development

  • βœ“Tuition Reimbursement
  • βœ“Professional Certifications
  • βœ“Conference Attendance
  • βœ“Training Programs
  • βœ“Mentorship Opportunities

Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.

Job Market Intelligence

Job Market Intelligence

Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk

Current Employment

National Employment:105,200

10-Year Outlook

Growth Rate:+3.5%
Annual Openings:10,700

Employment Projections

2024 (Current)105,200
Current
2034 (Projected)108,900
+3.5%
+3,600
Employment Change
+3.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection

Growth Category: As fast as average

Key Growth Factors

  • β€’Average growth expected

Top Skills

βœ“
Active Listening
Active Listening
βœ“
Speaking
Speaking
βœ“
Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness
βœ“
Coordination
Coordination
βœ“
Service Orientation
Service Orientation
βœ“
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
βœ“
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
βœ“
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
βœ“
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
βœ“
Persuasion
Persuasion

Key Knowledge Areas

βœ“
Public Safety and Security
βœ“
Law and Government
βœ“
English Language
βœ“
Telecommunications
βœ“
Customer and Personal Service
βœ“
Geography
βœ“
Communications and Media
βœ“
Computers and Electronics
βœ“
Administrative
βœ“
Education and Training

Education & Training

Education Required

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience Required

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful

Job Training

Training of a few months to a year