As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a 911 Dispatcher in the United States is $45,000. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $40,100 to $49,800, with most professionals earning between $35,639 and $54,170.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $49,800 | $4,150 | $958 | $24 |
| Average | $45,000 | $3,750 | $865 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,100 | $3,342 | $771 | $19 |
An entry-level 911 Dispatcher with less than 1 year of experience earns about $43,391. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $44,488. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $45,860. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $46,791, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $47,149.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level 911 Dispatcher | $43,391 |
| Intermediate Level 911 Dispatcher | $44,488 |
| Senior Level 911 Dispatcher | $45,860 |
| Specialist Level 911 Dispatcher | $46,791 |
| Expert Level 911 Dispatcher | $47,149 |
| Entry Level | 4% |
| Mid Level | 1% |
| Senior Level | 2% |
| Top Level | 4% |
| Experienced | 5% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in 911 Dispatcher compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $46,402 in 2023 to approximately $46,781 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of 911 Dispatcher salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of 911 Dispatcher information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see 911 Dispatcher job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for 911 Dispatcher and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $45,000 | 69.2% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $3,443 | 5.3% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,115 | 3.3% | ||
| Disability | $360 | 0.6% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 9.3% | ||
| Pension | $2,475 | 3.8% | ||
| Time Off | $5,538 | 8.5% | ||
| Total Compensation | $64,987 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 33.3% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Bachelors | 16.7% |
What Am I Worth?
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.
