Public Safety Telecommunicators: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 101,140 public safety telecommunicators, and they earn a median of $50,730/year. The range runs from $36K to $78K. California pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level public safety telecommunicators start around $36K. The gap between that and the median ($51K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $78K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| California | $78K | 8,510 |
| Washington | $77K | 2,580 |
| Oregon | $71K | 980 |
| Minnesota | $65K | 1,180 |
| Alaska | $63K | 420 |
| Connecticut | $63K | 1,700 |
| Illinois | $60K | 3,730 |
| New York | $59K | 5,620 |
| Massachusetts | $59K | 2,920 |
| New Jersey | $59K | 3,940 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a public safety telecommunicators make?▼
The median public safety telecommunicators salary in the United States is $50,730 per year ($24/hour). Entry-level positions start around $35,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,110.
What education do you need to become a public safety telecommunicators?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for public safety telecommunicators?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for public safety telecommunicators.
What are the highest paying states for public safety telecommunicators?▼
The highest paying states for public safety telecommunicators are California ($78,210), Washington ($77,310), Oregon ($70,690), Minnesota ($64,920), Alaska ($63,390). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.