According to FBI statistics, New Mexico has the second highest rate of violent crime in the nation, behind only Alaska, which explains the projected increase in the number of 911 dispatchers through 2026.
According to the New Mexico Workforce Connection, there were 870 911 operators in New Mexico in 2016; by 2026, this number is projected to increase to 910 – an increase of about 5%.
The median salary for 911 operators in New Mexico is $35,630/$17.13, while the top 10% earn $49,460.
Agencies and Jurisdictions Employing Dispatchers in New Mexico
The New Mexico Emergency Medical Services Communications system oversees the state’s 41 PSAPs, which handle more than 1.3 million calls per year. The state’s Department of Public Safety has a long-term goal to consolidate the state’s PSAPs into three districts: Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and Las Cruces.
There are 370 operators working in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. The median salary for these professionals is about $5,000 higher than the state average, while the median salary for 911 operators in the Las Cruces metropolitan area is about $2,000 less than the state average.
Albuquerque, includes:
- Valencia County E-911 Regional Emergency Communications Center
- Sandoval County Regional Emergency Communications Center
- State Police-Albuquerque
- Rio Rancho Department Of Public Safety
- Albuquerque Police Department
- 10th percentile: $13.91/$28,920
- Median: $19.51/$40,580
- 90th percentile: $26.21/$54,510
Las Cruces, includes:
- New Mexico State University Police Department
- State Police – Las Cruces
- Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority
- 10th percentile: $11.84/$24,630
- Median: $16.33/$33,970
- 90th percentile: $19.24/$40,010
BLS Employment and Salary Stats for New Mexico 911 Operators by Metro Area
You’ll find quite a bit of difference when it comes to salary averages between metro areas in New Mexico. In the Albuquerque metro area, the median salary for 911 operators is $40,580, while in Las Cruces, it’s $33,970 – nearly $7,000 less. Similarly, the top 10% in Albuquerque earn $54,510, while those in Las Cruces earn $40,010 – nearly $14,000 less.
Salary and employment data compiled by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics in May of 2018. Figures represent accumulated data for all areas of employment for emergency services dispatchers https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nm.htm#43-5031. BLS salary data represents state and MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) average and median earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Job growth projections sourced from the New Mexico Workforce Connection and published in the U.S. Department of Labor-funded Long Term Occupational Projections (2016-2026) database – https://projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm.
All salary and job growth data accessed in June 2019.