Public Safety Telecommunicators
SOC Code: 43-5031 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
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.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Public Safety Telecommunicators. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $82,014 | $98,363 | $114,691 | $131,040 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $73,424 | $87,443 | $101,483 | $115,502 |
| Salinas, CA | $55,702 | $73,195 | $90,709 | $108,202 |
| Merced, CA | $51,501 | $69,014 | $86,507 | $104,021 |
| Napa, CA | $60,278 | $72,405 | $84,552 | $96,678 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $69,930 | $77,896 | $85,883 | $93,850 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $58,469 | $70,158 | $81,848 | $93,538 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $58,594 | $70,200 | $81,827 | $93,434 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $61,381 | $71,531 | $81,702 | $91,853 |
| Anchorage, AK | $55,702 | $67,558 | $79,435 | $91,291 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Active Listening | 4.4 | |
| Speaking | 4.1 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.9 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 | |
| Service Orientation | 3.8 | |
| Coordination | 3.8 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.6 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.4 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.2 | |
| Active Learning | 3.1 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Public Safety and Security | 4.9 |
| Law and Government | 4.5 |
| English Language | 4.5 |
| Telecommunications | 4.5 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 4.4 |
| Geography | 4.2 |
| Communications and Media | 4.2 |
| Computers and Electronics | 4.0 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 63.4% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 11.0% |
| Some college | 10.6% |
| Associate's degree | 10.3% |
| Bachelor's degree | 4.7% |
Typical Tasks
- Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
- Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
- Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
- 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.
- Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
- Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
- 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.
- Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
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