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For Educators: Military Resources

Public Safety Telecommunicators

Median Salary
48,890
Job Outlook
+7%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

State and local government

88%

Private for profit

5%

Federal Government

5%

Private not for profit

2%

Self-employed

0%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of public safety telecommunicators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 11,500 openings for public safety telecommunicators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$29,400

10%

$48,890

Median

$75,070

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    63%

  • Some college

    11%

  • Associate's degree

    10%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    10%

  • Bachelor's degree

    4%

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Administrative
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Psychology

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.