Vermont is an aging state – one of the oldest in the nation, in fact. In 2018, nearly 20% of the population here was over age 65 . While Vermont’s population has remained largely unchanged in recent years, its aging population will continue to require the services of 911 dispatchers, largely due to health-related emergencies. According to the Vermont Department of Labor, there were 290 dispatchers in Vermont in 2016; this number is projected to hold steady through 2026.
911 operators in Vermont earn a median salary of $21.76/$45,260, which is about $5,000 more than the national average. The top 10% in this field earn $59,650.
Salaries at the Agencies that Employ 911 Operators in Vermont
The State of Vermont Enhanced 9-1-1 Board oversees Vermont’s 911 system, which includes six PSAPs. In 2018, these PSAPs received 204,931 calls – an increase of 5,607 calls from 2017.
Burlington-South Burlington
- Vermont State Police-Williston
- 10th percentile: $15.80/$32,860
- Median: $22.06/$45,870
- 90th percentile: $29.12/$60,570
Southern Vermont nonmetropolitan area
- Vermont State Police – Westminster
- 10th percentile: $16.61/$34,540
- Median: $20.83/$43,320
- 90th percentile: $27.82/$57,880
A Closer Look at Vermont 911 Operator Salaries and Employment
911 operators in the Burlington-South Burlington area earn a median salary of $45,870, which is slightly higher than the state average, while the median salary for operators in the South Vermont nonmetropolitan area earn slightly less, at $43,320. The top earners (90th percentile) are also found in the Burlington-South Burlington area, with these professionals earning $60,570.
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_vt.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 Vermont Department of Labor 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.