Where do 911 operators make the most money?

911 operators generally earn the most in high-cost-of-living areas, particularly California cities like San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, and states like Washington and Oregon, with top salaries often exceeding $80,000-$90,000 annually in those specific metro areas, though averages vary significantly by location and agency.

Where do 911 dispatchers make the most money?

Top 65 Highest Paying States for 911 Dispatcher Jobs in the U.S. We've identified 47 states where the typical salary for a 911 Dispatcher job is above the national average. Topping the list is Washington, with District of Columbia and New York close behind in second and third.

Can you make 6 figures as a 911 dispatcher?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $75,426 and as low as $25,322, the majority of Entry Level 911 Dispatcher salaries currently range between $38,300 (25th percentile) to $53,300 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $65,189 annually in Los Angeles.

How much do 911 operators make in the USA?

As of Dec 31, 2025, the average annual pay for a 911 Dispatcher in the United States is $45,823 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $22.03 an hour. This is the equivalent of $881/week or $3,818/month.

How much do 911 dispatchers make in VA?

911 dispatcher salaries in Virginia vary, averaging around $52,600 annually ($25/hour) statewide, but can range from entry-level around $45,000 with bonuses in places like Virginia Beach to higher median pay in metro areas like Richmond ($51k-$60k total pay) or Norfolk ($25.75/hr), depending on experience, location, and employer, with state roles offering structured pay scales and city jobs often providing hiring incentives. 

HOW MUCH MONEY CAN I MAKE? 911 DISPATCHER JOBS 👮‍♀️

What disqualifies you from being a 911 dispatcher?

there must be no indications of instability in their employment history; including excessive tardiness or absenteeism, inefficiency, failure to follow directions, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, poor working relationships, or negligent work habits.

Can cops make 200k a year?

Base salaries are often only $100k but then generous vacation compensation, incentives, 2x and 3x overtime, and such bring it close to $200k. Gold plated health and other benefits often bring current compensation for CA cops (CHP, BART, SF, &c) over $200k. Then generous pensions kick in.

How hard is it to pass the 911 dispatcher test?

Yes, the 911 dispatcher test (like the CritiCall) is challenging because it simulates high-pressure, fast-paced emergency scenarios, testing your multitasking, memory, data entry, and decision-making under strict time limits, often overwhelming new applicants, but it's manageable with practice on core skills like typing and multitasking. The test is intentionally designed to push your limits to gauge real-world aptitude, so feeling like you failed or did poorly is common, even if you pass. 

How long are 911 operator shifts?

Dispatchers generally work rotating 8 or 10 hour shifts. Day shift begins at 6am, swing shift at 2pm and graveyard at 10pm. As scheduling allows cover shifts starting at various times may also be offered. Employees must be able to accommodate a rotating work schedule.

What is the difference between a 911 operator and a dispatcher?

A dispatcher may be the person who fields the initial call and then assigns the proper units or workers to the scene. The operator, on the other hand, coordinates any other necessary efforts after the initial call. In this role, it is your job to ensure that units are in communication with one another.

What are three cons to being a 911 dispatcher?

Since emergencies are unplanned events, you'll most likely work weekends and holidays. Additionally, the work is physically taxing, and dispatchers often experience back pain and eyestrain as a result of sitting and looking at computer screens for hours on end.

Is it hard to become a 911 operator?

Dispatching Jobs are Difficult to Get

To qualify to apply for a 911 dispatcher job, you must meet a number of requirements. These include, but are not limited to: High school diploma/GED or higher education depending on the service. Speak excellent and clear English and be able to write it as well.

Do you have to be a fast typer to be a 911 dispatcher?

Most 911 telecommunicators are required to type between 30 – 45 WPM without errors.

What is 30$ an hour salary in California?

$30 an hour is $62,400 per year if working a standard 40-hour week ($30 x 40 hours x 52 weeks), but actual income in California varies due to taxes, overtime, and potential for higher wages in specific areas, with some sources showing averages around $102,000+ depending on job type and location. 

Are 911 dispatchers in high demand?

Job Outlook

Employment of public safety telecommunicators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 10,700 openings for public safety telecommunicators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Are 911 dispatchers first responders?

According to an October 2024 report by the National Conference of State Legislatures, 25 states have enacted or adopted resolutions to reclassify public safety telecommunicators as first responders or under other public safety occupations (e.g., California, Indiana, Colorado).

Why do 911 dispatchers quit?

911 Dispatchers Quit Due to Poor Working Conditions. The real emergency in our 911 centers isn't outdated technology. It's the 50% of new dispatchers who quit before completing training.

What is a 5 2 2 5 work schedule?

A 5-2-2-5 work schedule is a rotating pattern, often with 12-hour shifts, that involves working 5 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, then 5 days off, repeating the cycle, which provides significant blocks of time off, like extended weekends, and is common in 24/7 industries like healthcare or manufacturing for consistent coverage. It balances work and rest by giving employees long breaks, though the shift from day to night can be challenging.
 

How stressful is a 911 operator?

The 911 dispatcher burnout rate is high due to a combination of factors, including understaffing, long hours, emotional fatigue from critical calls, and a lack of support. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic work-related stress.

What is the turnover rate for 911 dispatchers?

High turnover for dispatcher roles

The rate is even higher within the first year on the job. Surveys in recent years reveal that roughly one in four 911 dispatcher positions nationwide are vacant at any given time – an average 25% vacancy rate from 2019 to 2022.

How many people fail the CritiCall test?

As can be seen in the table, when using the 60% assumption, more than 76% of the test takers whose composite percentile score is higher than 60 on the CritiCall test would likely be successful if hired, whereas only 35% of test takers whose percentile score is lower than 20 on the test would likely be successful.

What is a typical dispatcher's day like?

A dispatcher's work day is fast-paced and stressful as they coordinate service calls, manage schedules, and ensure the right technician is assigned to each job.

Do cops become millionaires?

Based on this small but unfortunately realistic 4% return, an $80,000 annual pension payout implies a rather large pot of money behind it–$2 million, to be precise. That's a lot. That $2 million also happens to be the implied booty of your average California policeman who retires at age 55.

What is $25 an hour salary in California?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $84,213 and as low as $19,585, the majority of 25 Dollar An Hour salaries currently range between $28,887 (25th percentile) to $47,003 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $64,139 annually in California.

Do cops have side hustles?

Security, fitness, and online businesses are great options. These roles offer flexibility and make the most of the officer's expertise. How to make extra money as a cop? Cops can earn extra money by working overtime, starting their own businesses, or diving into flexible and rewarding extra jobs.