As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a 911 Dispatcher in the United States is $45,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a 911 Dispatcher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
Recruit with AI
AI Onboarding
A 911 Dispatcher's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 911 Dispatcher's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | 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 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract 911 Dispatchers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 9.53% |
| Emergency Services | 5.11% |
| Public Safety Communications | 2.07% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Safety Procedures
|
$60,750 |
35%
|
|
Innovation
|
$52,650 |
17%
|
|
Coordination
|
$52,200 |
16%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$50,400 |
12%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$49,950 |
11%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$49,950 |
11%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 911 Dispatchers enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a 911 Dispatcher with a No Diploma is between $40,504 and $43,299).
911 Dispatcher Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 33.3% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 16.7% |
| Bachelors | 16.7% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a 911 Dispatcher's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a 911 Dispatcher, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Inspector/Investigator | $73,800 | 64% |
| Campus Public Safety and Security Supervisor | $68,100 | 51% |
| Emergency Communications Supervisor | $64,500 | 43% |
Salaries for a 911 Dispatcher can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $46,402 in 2023 to around $46,535 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of 911 Dispatcher salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $46,402 |
| 2024 | $46,781 |
| 2025 | $46,535 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for 911 Dispatcher and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 911 Dispatcher job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
To be eligible for a 911 dispatcher position, any history of untruthfulness, intentional omission of information, or offensive behavior—such as racist, sexist, or homophobic actions—can disqualify you. Additionally, a lack of integrity in your application or interview process is a significant concern. The salary for this role ranges from $40,100 to $50,800, with a midpoint of $45,000.
Yes, 911 operators are in high demand. Data from 2019 to 2022 indicates an average vacancy rate of about 25% in 911 centers across the U.S., meaning one in every four positions needed to be filled. The salary for 911 dispatchers ranges from $40,100 to $50,800, with a mid-salary of $45,000, reflecting the critical need for these essential roles.
911 dispatchers generally have immunity from most negligence claims in most states. This legal protection allows them to perform their duties without the constant fear of being sued for their decisions. Their salaries typically range from $40,100 to $50,800, reflecting the critical nature of their role in emergency response.
While specific state salaries can vary, the average salary for 911 dispatchers generally ranges from $40,100 to $50,800, with a mid-salary of $45,000. States like California and Alaska often report higher earnings, but the average figures provide a useful benchmark for understanding dispatcher compensation across the country.
The highest-paid 911 operators can earn up to $50,800 annually, with a typical salary around $45,000. Salaries vary by location, with cities like Billings, MT offering approximately $31.16 per hour, while others like Manasquan, NJ pay around $21.72 per hour. Overall, salaries range from a minimum of $40,100 to a maximum of $50,800.
The role of a 911 dispatcher is indeed highly stressful, as you often handle urgent calls from panicked individuals, making critical decisions that can impact lives. Despite the intensity of the job, the salary ranges from $40,100 to $50,800, which is lower than many other first responders, adding to the pressure of the position.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
