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Public Safety Telecommunicators Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Public Safety Telecommunicators make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$80,120
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.4% vs 2024
$81,520
Mean Salary
$80,120
Median Salary
$38.52
Hourly Rate
8,520 people work as Public Safety Telecommunicators in California
Public Safety Telecommunicators salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Public Safety Telecommunicators in California earn a median salary of $80,120 per year ($6,676/month).
This is 48.7% above the national average of $53,895.
California ranks #1 out of 51 states for Public Safety Telecommunicators pay.
Approximately 8,520 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 2.4% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Public Safety Telecommunicators
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.
Top Skills
Active Listening
4.38
Speaking
4.12
Social Perceptiveness
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.75
Coordination
3.75
Key Knowledge Areas
Public Safety and Security
4.93
Law and Government
4.55
English Language
4.48
Telecommunications
4.45
Customer and Personal Service
4.4
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(63.4% of workers)
Salary Range: Public Safety Telecommunicators in California
Salaries for Public Safety Telecommunicators in California range from $49,350 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $108,650 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $64,250 and $96,660.
Median $80,120
P10: $49,350P25: $64,250P75: $96,660P90: $108,650
10th
$49,350
25th
$64,250
Median
$80,120
75th
$96,660
90th
$108,650
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$49,350
$23.73
$4,112
25th Percentile
$64,250
$30.89
$5,354
Median (50th)
$80,120
$38.52
$6,676
75th Percentile
$96,660
$46.47
$8,055
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$108,650
$52.24
$9,054
Note: The mean (average) salary of $81,520 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Public Safety Telecommunicators make in California?
The median annual salary for Public Safety Telecommunicators in California is $80,120 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $81,520.
What is the salary range for a Public Safety Telecommunicators in California?
Salaries for Public Safety Telecommunicators in California range from $49,350 at the 10th percentile to $108,650 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $64,250 and $96,660.
What is the starting salary for a Public Safety Telecommunicators in California?
Entry-level Public Safety Telecommunicators positions in California typically start around $49,350 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $64,250 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Public Safety Telecommunicators in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 8,520 people are employed as Public Safety Telecommunicators in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Public Safety Telecommunicators in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Public Safety Telecommunicators in California is approximately $38.52 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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