How Much Does a 911 Dispatcher Make? (2025)
Whether pursuing a career as a 911 dispatcher or hiring one, understanding pay and job trends helps with better decisions.
As of July 1, 2025, 911 dispatchers in the U.S. earn an average 911 dispatcher salary of $45,000 per year, or about $22 per hour. They fall under the Public Safety Telecommunicators category in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which projects a 4% job growth from 2023 to 2033.
Continue reading to learn what 911 dispatchers do, how salaries vary, and which factors influence pay.
What Does a 911 Dispatcher Do?
A 911 dispatcher is responsible for receiving and managing emergency calls, coordinating with first responders, and ensuring rapid response to incidents across the country. This includes assessing caller needs, providing instructions, and dispatching resources such as police, fire, or medical services.
They review incoming calls, prioritize action, and maintain communication with responders in the field. 911 dispatchers also document incidents and may provide training to new hires to prepare them for high-pressure situations.
The role usually requires a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and experience in emergency communications. Availability for work on weekends and holidays is often mandatory.
What is a 911 Dispatcher Salary Overview?
As of July 1, 2025, the average 911 dispatcher salary in the United States is $45,000 per year, or $22 per hour.
Based on our data, the 911 dispatcher salary ranges from $35,257 to $53,979 per year, with most earnings reported between $39,900 and $49,700. The average 911 dispatcher salary per month is $3,750.
911 dispatchers typically earn an average of $22 per hour, with rates ranging from $17 to $26. Their average weekly pay is $865 and usually falls between $678 and $1,038 per week.
2025 911 Dispatcher Average Salary: $45,000 per year ($22 per hour)
On the other hand, the core median salary for 911 dispatchers is $47,200 per year. This includes base pay and bonuses and may vary by percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $37,457 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,100 |
| 50th Percentile | $47,200 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,100 |
| 90th Percentile | $58,472 |
The average total salary for 911 dispatchers is $67,868, based on our report. This includes benefits such as healthcare ($6,056), time off ($5,809), and Social Security ($3,611), which make up 33.7% of the total pay.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $45,000 | 66.3% |
| Bonus | $2,200 | 3.2% |
| Social Security | $3,611 | 5.3% |
| 401K/403B | $2,218 | 3.3% |
| Disability | $378 | 0.6% |
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 8.9% |
| Pension | $2,596 | 3.8% |
| Time Off | $5,809 | 8.6% |
| Total Compensation | $67,868 | 100% |
What Can Affect 911 Dispatcher Salaries?
The salary of 911 dispatchers can vary based on experience, location, and skills. Here's a closer look at each factor:
By Experience Level
According to our report, 911 dispatchers with less than one year of experience earn an average of $43,325 per year. Those with eight or more years of experience typically earn around $47,104 per year.
| Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level 911 Dispatcher | $43,325 |
| Intermediate Level 911 Dispatcher | $44,467 |
| Senior Level 911 Dispatcher | $45,842 |
| Specialist Level 911 Dispatcher | $46,754 |
| Expert Level 911 Dispatcher | $47,104 |
By Geographic Location
Aside from experience, 911 dispatcher salary in the United States also varies by location due to factors like cost of living, local economy, and demand for first responders.
For example, among major cities, San Francisco offers one of the highest average salaries a 911 dispatcher can earn at $56,200 per year, while cities like Pierre, SD, and Lawton, OK, report lower median salaries of $37,900 and $38,100 per year, respectively.
| City | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | $50,580 | $56,200 | $63,820 |
| Washington, D.C. | $44,820 | $49,800 | $56,580 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $45,180 | $50,200 | $57,020 |
| New York, New York | $46,890 | $52,100 | $59,190 |
| Pierre, South Dakota | $34,110 | $37,900 | $43,070 |
| Lawton, Oklahoma | $34,290 | $38,100 | $43,290 |
By Skills
High-demand skills drive salary increases for 911 dispatchers. According to our Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data Report, those with background checks skills earn 9.33% more, while those with emergency management skills see an 8.64% boost. The demand for these skills is 10.10% and 10.90%, respectively.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Background Checks | 10.10% | +9.33% |
| Emergency Management | 10.90% | +8.64% |
| Knowledge of Criminal Justice System | 10.30% | +8.43% |
| Records Management | 10.00% | +8.28% |
| Customer Satisfaction | 10.00% | +8.10% |
| Emergency Response | 10.50% | +7.80% |
How to Become a 911 Dispatcher
If you're planning to become a 911 dispatcher, here's what you need to know to prepare for the role.
Get education: Most 911 dispatchers hold at least a high school diploma. Additional certifications in emergency communications or public safety can improve employment opportunities.
Gain experience and training: This role usually requires training in emergency response systems and protocols. Start by building communication skills in customer service or related roles. Exposure to high-pressure environments is valuable.
Develop key skills: Strong communication, multitasking, and decision-making skills are essential. 911 dispatchers should also master background checks, emergency management, criminal justice knowledge, records management, customer satisfaction, and emergency response via mock drills to ensure effective emergency protocols, call prioritization, and coordination with first responders to protect public safety.
FAQs about 911 Dispatcher
Here are some common questions about 911 dispatcher salary:
How does a 911 dispatcher get paid?
A 911 dispatcher gets paid through a salary, with potential bonuses based on performance or overtime. Compensation is designed to reflect their critical role in emergency response and is often in the range of $35,257 to $53,979 annually.
Is 911 dispatcher a high-demand position?
Yes, 911 dispatchers are in steady demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% job growth from 2023 to 2033, which is about average.
What qualifications are needed to become a 911 dispatcher?
Becoming a 911 dispatcher typically requires a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and training in emergency communications. Strong multitasking and communication skills are critical.
How stressful is the 911 dispatcher role?
The role of a 911 dispatcher is highly stressful, involving urgent calls and critical decision-making. Despite this, salaries range from $40,100 to $50,800, which is lower than many other first responders.
