Public Safety Telecommunicators
O*NET 43-5031.00 · SOC 43-5031
Public Safety Telecommunicator is a solid career choice. Median pay is $53k a year with +3.7% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 9,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Answer emergency 911 calls and gather caller information
- →Dispatch police, fire, or ambulance units to incidents
- →Monitor radio communications between field units
- →Enter incident details into the computer-aided dispatch system
- →Relay critical information between callers and responding units
Education & How to Get In
Public Safety Telecommunicator roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured — offices, data centers, or remote
Independent — focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Public Safety Telecommunicator involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Public Safety Telecommunicator?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Public Safety Telecommunicator Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Public Safety Telecommunicators is projected to grow 3.7% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·47% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
- ·30% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Public Safety Telecommunicator make?
The median Public Safety Telecommunicator earns $53k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Public Safety Telecommunicator jobs?
Our model puts Public Safety Telecommunicator at 63 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 47% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 30% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace.
Is Public Safety Telecommunicator a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 9,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Public Safety Telecommunicator?
Most Public Safety Telecommunicator roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Public Safety Telecommunicator?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Public Safety Telecommunicator career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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