Find Trade Colleges
What Do Dispatcher Do?
Dispatcher Example 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
- Record and maintain files or records of customer requests, work or services performed, charges, expenses, inventory, or other dispatch information.
- Advise personnel about traffic problems, such as construction areas, accidents, congestion, weather conditions, or other hazards.
- Arrange for necessary repairs to restore service and schedules.
- Oversee all communications within specifically assigned territories.
- Prepare daily work and run schedules.
- Receive or prepare work orders.
Featured schools near , edit
Dispatcher Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Dispatchers say are important on the job.
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.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- City Dispatcher
- Train Starter
- Automobile or Truck Rental Dispatcher
- Street Department Dispatcher
- Tow Truck Dispatcher
Dispatcher Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 201,700 jobs for Dispatcher in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Dispatcher. The BLS estimates 18,000 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Average Dispatchers Salary
Dispatchers make between $24,560 and $65,660 a year.
Dispatchers who work in Nebraska, North Dakota, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Dispatchers make 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 |
What Tools do Dispatchers Use?
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
Becoming a Dispatcher
Learn what Dispatcher education requirements there are.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Dispatcher?
Related Careers
Career changers with experience as a Dispatcher sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.