DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
43-5031 Public Safety Telecommunicators
Occupational 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.| Percentiles | |||||||||
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| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Southwest Minnesota | 120 | 9 | $23.28/hr | $0.39/hr | $17.79/hr | $20.24/hr | $22.90/hr | $26.18/hr | $30.02/hr |
| Minnesota | 1,550 | 237 | $28.10/hr | $0.51/hr | $20.44/hr | $23.09/hr | $27.70/hr | $33.26/hr | $38.01/hr |
| U S | 95,320 | 858 | $21.57/hr | $0.09/hr | $13.23/hr | $16.38/hr | $20.39/hr | $25.62/hr | $31.61/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change - | |
| Counter and Rental Clerks | 220 | $14.37/hr | N/A |
| Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance | 180 | $20.91/hr | -0.3% |
| Bill and Account Collectors | 140 | $18.36/hr | -12.7% |
| Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs | 120 | $25.39/hr | 4.3% |
| Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks | 60 | $21.22/hr | N/A |
| Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Tasks for Public Safety Telecommunicators
- Receives incoming calls by telephone or alarm system.
- Operates telecommunication equipment to relay information and messages to and from emergency site, and between law enforcement agencies.
- Monitors alarm system to detect fires, illegal entry into establishments, or other emergencies.
- Determines response needed to emergency.
- Provides instructions to caller, utilizing knowledge of emergency medical care.
- Questions caller, observes alarm register, and scans map, to determine if emergency is within service area.
- Tests and adjusts communication and alarm systems, and reports malfunctions to maintenance units.
- Records details of calls, dispatches, and messages and maintains logs and files, using computer.
- Scans status charts and computer screen to determine emergency units available for response.
- Questions caller to determine nature of problem and type and number of personnel and equipment needed.
- Contacts officers to verify assignment locations.
- Coordinates emergency requests, and dispatches response units to emergency, using radio or alarm system.
