How to Become a 911 Dispatcher in Washington

Becoming a 911 dispatcher in Washington, or a 911 operator in Washington, requires focus, determination, and the right education and training.

911 dispatchers in Washington can earn an average income of $51,000 per year. 911 dispatchers are often referred to as telecommunicators in Washington.

The following represent some of the notable employers for 911 dispatching in Washington:

• Seattle’s 911 Communications Center, handling over 800,000 calls each year
• South Sound 911 services, serving:
  • Tacoma
  • Pierce County
  • Lakewood
• North East King County Regional Public Safety Communication Agency (NORCOM):
  • Woodinville
  • Bellevue
  • Bothell
  • Redmond
  • Kirkland
  • Snoqualmie
  • Duvall

Washington 911 Operator Training

When are you are looking for how to become a 911 dispatcher in Washington, you will want to gain the right education and training for the agency through which you will interview for a position.

The following are just a few of the training programs through which emergency dispatchers in Washington can get involved:

• Real-time Crime Center
• Technology:
  • Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD)
  • NG911 (Next Generation 911) supplying services like texting/sms and video

Washington 911 Operator Education

One way for a candidate to become most competitive for employment is to earn a relevant degree. An Associate degree or an undergraduate four-year degree in one of the following areas of study would be ideal:

• Psychology
• Homeland Security
• Legal Studies
• Communications
• Public Health
• Emergency Management
• Public Security

Washington 911 Dispatcher Salary

Those who work in the state of Washington as a 911 dispatcher take home a well earned living for the services they provide those in their communities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average 911 operator in Washington earns a yearly salary of $54,090.