North Dakota’s oil boom has resulted in impressive population increases in many parts of the state, which has translated into an increased demand for 911 operators.
According to the North Dakota Workforce Intelligence Network, there were 170 dispatchers in North Dakota in 2016; by 2026, this number is projected to rise to 190 – an increase of nearly 12%.
And it’s no wonder…many areas of North Dakota have led the nation in population growth rate, including Williams County and Cass County (Fargo). Between July 2017 and July 2018, the population in Williams County rose by nearly 2,000 residents, while Cass County gained 3,579 new residents.
Salaries for North Dakota 911 operators reveal the demand for these professionals. The median salary for these professionals is $43,240/$20.79, while the top 10% earn $59,700.
Agencies and Jurisdictions Employing Dispatchers in North Dakota
The North Dakota Association of Counties oversees the state’s 911 operations, which include 21 PSAPs. During 2017, the state’s PSAPs received about 230,000 emergency calls. On average each PSAP manages about 32 first responder agencies.
North Dakota’s largest PSAP, the Red River Regional Dispatch Center in Fargo, serves more than 208,000 residents.
Agencies and Jurisdictions Employing Dispatchers in North Dakota
East North Dakota nonmetropolitan area includes:
- Grand Forks County 911 Center
- Red River Regional Dispatch Center (Fargo)
- 10th percentile: $14.37/$29,990
- Median: $19.89/$41,360
- 90th percentile: $25.94/$53,960
Examining the Salary Differences Between North Dakota’s Nonmetropolitan Areas
While the number of 911 operators is fairly similar between the state’s eastern and western nonmetro areas, the median salary for these professionals isn’t, with those in the eastern section of the state earning $41,360 and those in the western section earning $45,310 – or about $4,000 more.
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_nd.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 North Dakota Workforce Intelligence Network 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.