The calm voices and the technology behind every emergency call.
Top pay: highest pay, longest training
Next Generation 911 Systems Engineer: Designs the new internet-based 911 networks that can take texts, video, and precise locations. Typical pay $120k.
Public Safety Radio Systems Engineer: Designs and maintains the radio networks police and firefighters depend on to talk during emergencies. Typical pay $115k.
Mid pay: solid pay, degree or apprenticeship
911 Center Director: Runs a 911 emergency communications center and its dispatchers, technology, and budget. Typical pay $98k.
CAD Systems Administrator: Keeps the computer-aided dispatch software running that tracks every emergency call and unit. Typical pay $85k.
Real-Time Crime Center Analyst: Watches live cameras, license-plate readers, and gunshot sensors to give officers instant information. Typical pay $68k.
Dispatch Supervisor: Leads a shift of 911 dispatchers and handles the most complex emergencies. Typical pay $72k.
Public Safety Radio Technician: Installs and repairs radios and radio towers used by police, fire, and EMS. Typical pay $65k.
911 GIS & Addressing Specialist: Keeps the maps and addresses used by 911 perfectly accurate so help goes to the right place. Typical pay $62k.
Emergency Alert & Warning Coordinator: Sends the emergency alerts that buzz phones during tornadoes, wildfires, and Amber Alerts, and makes sure they reach everyone. Typical pay $75k.
Emergency Communications Nurse: A registered nurse working inside a 911 center who talks with callers who need medical advice but not an ambulance. Typical pay $95k.
National Response Center Watchstander: Takes the nation's calls about oil spills, chemical releases and railroad accidents 24/7 and alerts the agencies that must respond. Typical pay $60k.
Starter: fastest way in
911 Dispatcher: Answers emergency calls and sends police, fire, and ambulances where they're needed. Typical pay $51k.
Emergency Medical Dispatcher: Talks callers through medical emergencies until the ambulance arrives. Typical pay $48k.
Wildland Fire Dispatcher: Dispatches crews, engines, and aircraft to wildfires across public lands. Typical pay $52k.
988 Crisis Line Counselor: Answers calls and texts on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and helps people through mental-health crises. Typical pay $45k.
Alarm Monitoring Operator: Watches for home and business alarm signals and calls 911 when a real emergency happens. Typical pay $38k.
911 Quality Assurance Reviewer: Reviews recorded 911 calls to make sure dispatchers follow protocols and to coach improvements. Typical pay $52k.
Air Medical Communications Specialist: Dispatches and tracks medical helicopters and planes, coordinating weather, landing zones, and hospitals. Typical pay $50k.
911 Emergency Call Interpreter: Joins 911 calls within seconds to interpret between dispatchers and callers who speak another language during emergencies. Typical pay $40k.
Automatic Crash Response Advisor: Answers when a car's built-in sensors detect a crash, talks to the people inside, and sends police and ambulances to the exact spot. Typical pay $42k.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.