An uptick in mining and gas extraction in Wyoming is bringing thousands of people to the state, including nearly 3,000 in the last quarter of 2018 alone. This is expected to add considerably to this state’s population in the coming years. That’s good news for 911 operators in the state, whose professional opportunities are often proportionate to increases in population density and a growing number of residents.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Research & Planning projects an increase in the number of 911 dispatchers in the state in the coming years. In 2016, there were 300 dispatchers working here; by 2026, this number is projected to grow to 320 – an increase of 6.7%.
Salaries for 911 operators in Wisconsin are in line with the national average. Dispatchers in Wisconsin earn a median salary of $19.63/$40,830, which is just slightly higher than the national average of $40,660. The top 10% here earn $53,190.
Salaries at the Agencies that Employ 911 Operators in Wyoming
Wyoming is one of just a handful of states in the U.S. that operates without a statewide agency to oversee the 911 system. There are about 56 PSAPs in Wyoming. The largest among them include:
Eastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area includes:
- Laramie County Combined Communications Center
- Converse County Joint Communications Center
- 10th percentile: $15.49/$32,210
- Median: $19.92/$41,430
- 90th percentile: $26.64/$55,420
Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area includes:
- Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center
- Teton County Sheriff’sCommunications Center
- Sweetwater Combined Communications Joint Powers Board
- Fremont County Sheriff’s Office
- 10th percentile: $15.34/$31,910
- Median: $18.49/$38,470
- 90th percentile: $24.22/$50,380
A Closer Look at What 911 Operators are Making in Wyoming and Where
Both eastern and western Wyoming have about the same number of 911 operators (120 and 100, respectively), although the 911 operators in eastern Wyoming come out ahead for pay, likely because of the large cities of Cheyenne and Laramie found there. These professionals earn a median salary of $41,430, while those in western Wyoming earn $38,470.
Similarly, the top 10% earn $55,420 in eastern Wyoming, while the top 10% in western Wyoming earn $50,380.
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_wy.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 Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Research & Planning 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.