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911 Operator, Emergency Communications Officer, Emergency Services Dispatcher, Public Safety Communicator, Taxi Dispatcher, Tow Truck Dispatcher
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Dispatchers’ duties vary. In general, they:
Taxi dispatchers send taxicabs in response to calls for service. They take requests for cabs, inform drivers by radio or telephone, and log the calls and addresses given to each driver.
Tow truck dispatchers take calls from vehicle owners for emergency service. They record information such as the name of the caller, type of problem, where the vehicle is, and what it looks like. They give the information to tow truck drivers.
Utility company dispatchers take calls for gas, water, telephone, or electric services. They take emergency reports from the public and send workers to resolve problems.
Emergency services call-takers / dispatchers might work for protective, industrial, medical, fire, or police services. They:
Dispatchers usually work shifts of up to 12 hours. This includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Sometimes dispatchers must stay longer to complete calls or wait for relief workers. Dispatchers may need to work at any hour of the day or night, every day of the year.
Dispatchers sit for long periods of time. Emergency situations can be stressful. Work hours can include sudden busy and demanding times as well as periods of low activity. It is critical to remain alert.
Other working conditions vary depending on the employer. Some dispatchers work in small offices with poor lighting and simple telephone systems. Others work in large offices with advanced computer systems, vehicle tracking systems, and ergonomically designed workstations.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Dispatchers
2023 OaSIS: 14404.00
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Dispatchers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 103 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 13, 2025 and Oct 07, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Dispatch personnel according to schedules and work orders | 92 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Maintain work records and logs | 72 |
| Tasks: Schedule assignments and co-ordinate activities of vehicle operators, crews and equipment | 71 |
| Tasks: Dispatch personnel as required by emergency situations | 62 |
| Tasks: Maintain vehicle operator work records | 62 |
| Tasks: Record mileage, fuel use, repairs and other expenses | 58 |
| Tasks: Advise vehicle operators of traffic and other problems | 51 |
| Tasks: Monitor personnel workloads and locations | 50 |
| Tasks: Keep track of shipments | 50 |
| Tasks: Receive requests for emergency assistance or service | 49 |
Taxi, tow truck, and utility dispatchers are trained on the job. Employers generally look for people with related work experience.
Dispatchers need to know the geography of the area in which they work and be good at reading maps.
Some employers consider dispatching a supervisory position and require applicants to have dispatch or driving experience. A high school diploma and computer and keyboarding skills are definite assets.
Police, fire, and emergency medical dispatchers must have a high school diploma. It is becoming more common for police, fire, emergency medical services, and alarm companies to ask for education beyond high school.
They also need related formal or on-the-job training. For example, they may need experience using computers and multiline telephone systems, or working with people in distress. Dispatchers may formerly have worked as police officers or emergency medical services workers.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, fire rescue services applicants must have the Emergency Fire Dispatcher certificate course offered through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. Some cities also require Emergency Medical Dispatcher certification plus Emergency Medical Responder, rescue, hazmat, and fire certifications.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Dispatchers may work for:
Experienced dispatchers in larger organizations may advance to supervisory positions. However, in general, advancement opportunities are limited.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Dispatchers
2016 NOC: 1525
77.1% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for dispatchers vary widely depending on the type of work and the employer.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $48.08 | $28.46 | $27.36 |
| Overall | $19.00 | $51.62 | $32.96 | $31.21 |
| Top | $20.00 | $57.69 | $36.80 | $33.93 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $71,559 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $97,558 |
| Construction | $75,823 |
| Wholesale Trade | $73,947 |
| Retail Trade | $62,924 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $67,655 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $68,688 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $60,725 |
| Public Administration | $96,026 |
International Academies of Emergency Dispatch website: www.emergencydispatch.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 21, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
