ConsultaPedia Logo

Emergency Medical Services Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Emergency Medical Services Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For people who want fast-paced, hands-on emergency medical work without a multi-year nursing or medical degree. Use the tools below to see which emergency medical services roles fit your background and goals.

This field has a clear, tiered licensure ladder (EMT to Paramedic) that directly determines scope of practice and pay. Use the tools below to explore Emergency Medical Services-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like EMT-Basic, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Paramedic or Flight Paramedic. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as National Registry EMT (NREMT) / Paramedic License, that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Emergency Medical Services careers/jobs, (2) Find Emergency Medical Services job listings, (3) Prepare for Emergency Medical Services careers, and (4) Provide Emergency Medical Services career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Emergency Medical Services careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Emergency Medical Services Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Emergency Medical Services careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Emergency Medical Services, so relevant Emergency Medical Services jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Emergency Medical Services Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Emergency Medical Services Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Emergency Medical Services careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 35 Emergency Medical Services Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

8 Emergency Medical Services careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Emergency Medical Services-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs

Medical and Health Services Managers 32.5% EMS Coordinator (Emergency Medical Services Coordinator); EMS Manager (Emergency Medical Services Manager)
Occupation: Medical and Health Services Managers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 32.5% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMS Coordinator (Emergency Medical Services Coordinator); EMS Manager (Emergency Medical Services Manager)
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers 24.5% Ski Patrol Paramedic
Occupation: Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 24.5% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Ski Patrol Paramedic
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians 16.3% Emergency Medical Vehicle Operator; EMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver); EMS First Responder (Emergency Medical Services First Responder); EMS Medic (Emergency Medical Services Medic); Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver
Occupation: Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 16.3% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Vehicle Operator; EMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver); EMS First Responder (Emergency Medical Services First Responder); EMS Medic (Emergency Medical Services Medic); Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators 15.5% EMT Security Officer (Emergency Medical Technician Security Officer)
Occupation: Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 15.5% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMT Security Officer (Emergency Medical Technician Security Officer)
Commercial Pilots 11.4% EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot); EMS Pilot (Emergency Medical Services Pilot); EMS Rotary Wing Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Rotary Wing Pilot)
Occupation: Commercial Pilots U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 11.4% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot); EMS Pilot (Emergency Medical Services Pilot); EMS Rotary Wing Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Rotary Wing Pilot)
Firefighters 8.5% Firefighter Paramedic
Occupation: Firefighters U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.5% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Firefighter Paramedic
Public Safety Telecommunicators 8.2% Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
Occupation: Public Safety Telecommunicators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.2% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
Medical Transcriptionists -7.4% Emergency Medical Scribe
Occupation: Medical Transcriptionists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -7.4% Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Scribe

12 Emergency Medical Services careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Emergency Medical Services-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs

Commercial Pilots $ 113,080 EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot); EMS Pilot (Emergency Medical Services Pilot); EMS Rotary Wing Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Rotary Wing Pilot)
Occupation: Commercial Pilots National Median Salary: $ 113,080 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot); EMS Pilot (Emergency Medical Services Pilot); EMS Rotary Wing Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Rotary Wing Pilot)
Medical and Health Services Managers $ 110,680 EMS Coordinator (Emergency Medical Services Coordinator); EMS Manager (Emergency Medical Services Manager)
Occupation: Medical and Health Services Managers National Median Salary: $ 110,680 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMS Coordinator (Emergency Medical Services Coordinator); EMS Manager (Emergency Medical Services Manager)
Coroners $ 75,670 Paramedical Examiner
Occupation: Coroners National Median Salary: $ 75,670 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Paramedical Examiner
Firefighters $ 57,120 Firefighter Paramedic
Occupation: Firefighters National Median Salary: $ 57,120 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Firefighter Paramedic
Paramedics $ 53,180 Critical Care Flight Paramedic; Critical Care Paramedic; ED Paramedic (Emergency Department Paramedic); EMT (Emergency Medical Technician); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); ER Paramedic (Emergency Room Paramedic); Flight Paramedic; Paramedic; Paramedic Specialist (PS)
Occupation: Paramedics National Median Salary: $ 53,180 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Critical Care Flight Paramedic; Critical Care Paramedic; ED Paramedic (Emergency Department Paramedic); EMT (Emergency Medical Technician); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); ER Paramedic (Emergency Room Paramedic); Flight Paramedic; Paramedic; Paramedic Specialist (PS)
Public Safety Telecommunicators $ 48,890 Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
Occupation: Public Safety Telecommunicators National Median Salary: $ 48,890 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $ 39,210 EMT Security Officer (Emergency Medical Technician Security Officer)
Occupation: Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators National Median Salary: $ 39,210 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMT Security Officer (Emergency Medical Technician Security Officer)
Emergency Medical Technicians $ 38,930 Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT); Emergency Medical Driver; Emergency Medical Responder; Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician- Basic); EMT-I/85; EMT-I/99; EMT-P; Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver; Paramedic
Occupation: Emergency Medical Technicians National Median Salary: $ 38,930 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT); Emergency Medical Driver; Emergency Medical Responder; Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician- Basic); EMT-I/85; EMT-I/99; EMT-P; Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver; Paramedic
Medical Transcriptionists $ 37,060 Emergency Medical Scribe
Occupation: Medical Transcriptionists National Median Salary: $ 37,060 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Scribe
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $ 35,240 Nonemergency Medical Transporter
Occupation: Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs National Median Salary: $ 35,240 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Nonemergency Medical Transporter
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $ 32,580 Emergency Medical Vehicle Operator; EMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver); EMS First Responder (Emergency Medical Services First Responder); EMS Medic (Emergency Medical Services Medic); Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver
Occupation: Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians National Median Salary: $ 32,580 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Vehicle Operator; EMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver); EMS First Responder (Emergency Medical Services First Responder); EMS Medic (Emergency Medical Services Medic); Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $ 30,380 Ski Patrol Paramedic
Occupation: Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers National Median Salary: $ 30,380 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Ski Patrol Paramedic

12 Emergency Medical Services careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Emergency Medical Services-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs

Medical and Health Services Managers 4 EMS Coordinator (Emergency Medical Services Coordinator); EMS Manager (Emergency Medical Services Manager)
Occupation: Medical and Health Services Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMS Coordinator (Emergency Medical Services Coordinator); EMS Manager (Emergency Medical Services Manager)
Commercial Pilots 3 EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot); EMS Pilot (Emergency Medical Services Pilot); EMS Rotary Wing Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Rotary Wing Pilot)
Occupation: Commercial Pilots Education/Preparation: 3 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot); EMS Pilot (Emergency Medical Services Pilot); EMS Rotary Wing Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Rotary Wing Pilot)
Coroners 3 Paramedical Examiner
Occupation: Coroners Education/Preparation: 3 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Paramedical Examiner
Emergency Medical Technicians 3 Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT); Emergency Medical Driver; Emergency Medical Responder; Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician- Basic); EMT-I/85; EMT-I/99; EMT-P; Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver; Paramedic
Occupation: Emergency Medical Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT); Emergency Medical Driver; Emergency Medical Responder; Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician- Basic); EMT-I/85; EMT-I/99; EMT-P; Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver; Paramedic
Firefighters 3 Firefighter Paramedic
Occupation: Firefighters Education/Preparation: 3 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Firefighter Paramedic
Medical Transcriptionists 3 Emergency Medical Scribe
Occupation: Medical Transcriptionists Education/Preparation: 3 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Scribe
Paramedics 3 Critical Care Flight Paramedic; Critical Care Paramedic; ED Paramedic (Emergency Department Paramedic); EMT (Emergency Medical Technician); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); ER Paramedic (Emergency Room Paramedic); Flight Paramedic; Paramedic; Paramedic Specialist (PS)
Occupation: Paramedics Education/Preparation: 3 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Critical Care Flight Paramedic; Critical Care Paramedic; ED Paramedic (Emergency Department Paramedic); EMT (Emergency Medical Technician); EMT Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic); ER Paramedic (Emergency Room Paramedic); Flight Paramedic; Paramedic; Paramedic Specialist (PS)
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians 2 Emergency Medical Vehicle Operator; EMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver); EMS First Responder (Emergency Medical Services First Responder); EMS Medic (Emergency Medical Services Medic); Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver
Occupation: Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians Education/Preparation: 2 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Vehicle Operator; EMS Driver (Emergency Medical Services Driver); EMS First Responder (Emergency Medical Services First Responder); EMS Medic (Emergency Medical Services Medic); Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Driver
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators 2 EMT Security Officer (Emergency Medical Technician Security Officer)
Occupation: Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators Education/Preparation: 2 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: EMT Security Officer (Emergency Medical Technician Security Officer)
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers 2 Ski Patrol Paramedic
Occupation: Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Education/Preparation: 2 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Ski Patrol Paramedic
Public Safety Telecommunicators 2 Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
Occupation: Public Safety Telecommunicators Education/Preparation: 2 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs 2 Nonemergency Medical Transporter
Occupation: Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs Education/Preparation: 2 Emergency Medical Services-Related Jobs: Nonemergency Medical Transporter

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 35 specific Emergency Medical Services job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Public Safety Telecommunicators.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Public Safety Telecommunicators

Description: Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
95,400
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
103,200
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
7,800 (8.2%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
9,800
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Public Safety Telecommunicators":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Learn material and pass required tests for certification.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Answer routine inquiries, and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Receive incoming telephone or alarm system calls regarding emergency and non-emergency police and fire service, emergency ambulance service, information, and after-hours calls for departments within a city.
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Monitor various radio frequencies, such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense, to stay apprised of developing situations.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Maintain files of information relating to emergency calls, such as personnel rosters and emergency call-out and pager files.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Observe alarm registers and scan maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Test and adjust communication and alarm systems, and report malfunctions to maintenance units.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Monitor alarm systems to detect emergencies, such as fires and illegal entry into establishments.
Importance: 37 (%) Description: Operate and maintain mobile dispatch vehicles and equipment.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Adjust office equipment to ensure proper operation.
Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
Coordinate operational activities.
Discuss goods or services information with customers or patrons.
Enter information into databases or software programs.
Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities.
Maintain call records.
Maintain current knowledge related to work activities.
Maintain security.
Monitor alarm systems.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
Operate communications equipment or systems.
Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.
Provide basic health care services.
Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
Relay information between personnel.
Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel.
Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Psychology: Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Personnel and Human Resources: Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance.
Activity: Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
Activity: Assist others to access additional services or resources.
Activity: Communicate with others about operational plans or activities.
Activity: Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures.
Activity: Explain technical details of products or services.
Activity: Gather information from physical or electronic sources.
Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.
Activity: Maintain operational records.
Activity: Maintain safety or security.
Activity: Monitor equipment operation.
Activity: Monitor safety or security of work areas, facilities, or properties.
Activity: Notify others of emergencies or problems.
Activity: Operate communications equipment or systems.
Activity: Operate transportation equipment or vehicles.
Activity: Process digital or online data.
Activity: Provide information to guests, clients, or customers.
Activity: Read documents or materials to inform work processes.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Emerging Tech Skills
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft Access
Document management software:
Microsoft SharePoint
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
SAP software
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Data base user interface and query software:
911 system information databases
Law enforcement information databases
National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System NLETS
Geographic information system:
Geographic information system GIS systems
Helpdesk or call center software:
Computer aided dispatch software
Spillman Technologies Spillman Computer-Aided Dispatch
Internet browser software:
Web browser software
Mobile messaging service software:
Intrado SchoolMessenger
Office suite software:
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

These occupations involve following instructions and often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include dishwashers, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, counter and rental clerks, dental laboratory technicians, and security guards.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 63.4 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 11.0 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 10.6 (%) Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Frequency of Attainment: 10.3 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Frequency of Attainment: 4.7 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 58.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 21.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 10.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 9.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Emergency Fire Dispatcher Certification External Link
Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification External Link
Emergency Number Professional External Link
Emergency Police Dispatcher Certification External Link
Emergency Telecommunicator Certification External Link
STCW - GMDSS Radio Operator External Link
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials Institute, Inc. (APCOI) External Link
Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Public Safety Telecommunicators". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Public Safety Telecommunicators". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Public Safety Telecommunicators". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Public Safety Telecommunicators


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Public Safety Telecommunicators" occupation.






Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka © 2026 About This Page