What is a Dispatcher?
Position Description Schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles for conveyance of materials, freight, or passengers, or for normal installation, service, or emergency repairs rendered outside the place of business. Duties may include using radio, telephone, or computer to transmit assignments and compiling statistics and reports on work progress.
A Day in the Life of a Dispatcher
- Schedule or dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles to appropriate locations, according to customer requests, specifications, or needs, using radios or telephones.
- Arrange for necessary repairs to restore service and schedules.
- Order supplies or equipment and issue them to personnel.
- Receive or prepare work orders.
- Determine types or amounts of equipment, vehicles, materials, or personnel required, according to work orders or specifications.
- Monitor personnel or equipment locations and utilization to coordinate service and schedules.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Dispatcher?
Dispatchers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Types of Dispatcher Jobs
- Motor Coach Supervisor
- Service or Work Dispatcher
- Cab Starter
- Engine Dispatcher
- Airplane Dispatch Clerk
Dispatcher Employment Estimates
There were about 201,700 jobs for Dispatcher in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Dispatcher. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 18,000 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Dispatcher are Utah, North Dakota, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in District of Columbia, Maine, or Connecticut. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Dispatcher Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Dispatchers is somewhere between $24,560 and $65,660.
Dispatchers who work in Nebraska, North Dakota, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Dispatchers in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $38,980 |
| Alaska | $52,950 |
| Arizona | $38,970 |
| Arkansas | $36,490 |
| California | $45,370 |
| Colorado | $43,980 |
| Connecticut | $47,820 |
| Delaware | $45,760 |
| District of Columbia | $50,380 |
| Florida | $35,930 |
| Georgia | $39,250 |
| Hawaii | $43,080 |
| Idaho | $37,220 |
| Illinois | $46,270 |
| Indiana | $43,920 |
| Iowa | $44,660 |
| Kansas | $41,240 |
| Kentucky | $38,470 |
| Louisiana | $38,780 |
| Maine | $40,860 |
| Maryland | $41,790 |
| Massachusetts | $46,020 |
| Michigan | $40,870 |
| Minnesota | $45,520 |
| Mississippi | $40,370 |
| Missouri | $44,150 |
| Montana | $39,170 |
| Nebraska | $58,030 |
| Nevada | $39,200 |
| New Hampshire | $43,720 |
| New Jersey | $43,720 |
| New Mexico | $43,720 |
| New York | $48,570 |
| North Carolina | $39,920 |
| North Dakota | $57,140 |
| Ohio | $42,150 |
| Oklahoma | $39,320 |
| Oregon | $44,510 |
| Pennsylvania | $41,630 |
| Rhode Island | $44,120 |
| South Carolina | $43,010 |
| South Dakota | $34,190 |
| Tennessee | $38,690 |
| Texas | $41,440 |
| Utah | $44,320 |
| Vermont | $42,820 |
| Virginia | $41,140 |
| Washington | $50,760 |
| West Virginia | $41,050 |
| Wisconsin | $43,130 |
| Wyoming | $43,320 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Dispatchers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Dispatchers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Database software
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Scheduling software
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
- Kronos Workforce Timekeeper
- Computer aided dispatch software
- ESRI ArcIMS
How to Become a Dispatcher
What kind of Dispatcher requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Dispatchers?
Below are examples of industries where Dispatchers work:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those who work as a Dispatcher sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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