(PDF) How to best view PDF files

Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers


Nature of the Work About this section

Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers, also called 911 operators, monitor the location of emergency services personnel from their jurisdiction’s emergency services departments. These workers dispatch the appropriate type and number of units in response to calls for assistance.

Education and Training About this section

Workers usually have a high school degree and develop the necessary skills in about 3 to 6 months of on-the-job training. Many States require specific types of training or certification from a professional association.

Job Outlook About this section

Current and Projected Employment.

2008 Employment 99,900
2018 Employment 117,700
Employment Change 17,800
Growth Rate 18%

Employment change. Employment is expected to grow faster than average. The growing and aging population will increase demand for emergency services and create new jobs for police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers. Growth may be slowed in some places, as some municipalities consolidate their call centers.

Job prospects. Favorable opportunities are expected, largely due to job openings arising from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. As the equipment dispatchers use becomes more complex, individuals with computer skills should have the best opportunities.

Earnings About this section

Median annual wages for police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers were $33,670 in May 2008.

Air traffic controllers; Communications equipment operators; Customer service representatives; Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance; Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks.

Sources of Additional Information About this section


Disclaimer:

Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, International, 351 N. Williamson Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114. Internet: http://www.apco911.org

O*NET-SOC Code Coverage About this section

Get more information from O*NET—the Occupational Information Network:

O*NET provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations. For information on a specific occupation, select the appropriate link below. For more information on O*NET, visit their homepage.


Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos343.htm (visited February 10, 2012).

 

Last Modified Date: December 17, 2009