How much does a Dispatcher make?

The average salary for a Dispatcher is $44,715 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 12343 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Dispatcher employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Dispatcher in United States is $52,834 per year.

The lowest salary for a Dispatcher in United States is $37,969 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Dispatcher or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Dispatcher.

Dispatchers receive stable government salaries with high benefits, reflecting their long work hours and the importance of their job. Overtime opportunities are frequent, as communities need dispatchers to respond to emergencies at all hours of the day and every day of the year. Some departments pay more to bilingual dispatchers or officers that have a college degree. Dispatchers in management positions are generally paid higher, but they also face a greater degree of responsibility.

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Dispatching has a low barrier to entry, with only a high school education required, and you'll earn significantly more the longer you remain on the job. Overall, about 65% of operators feel good about what they earn, including the potential for an additional $2,038.16 annually.

Dispatchers learn their most pertinent skills on the job, and they earn more as they improve their customer service, communication, listening, attention to detail, and time management abilities. Overall, the dispatcher salary range is between $32,796.59 and $61,339.40. The average professional has between zero and four years of experience and earns $42,676.64 following the dispatcher career path. Becoming a senior dispatcher results in a higher salary.

Dispatcher salary is influenced largely by location. You'll make significantly more in bustling metropolitan areas and places with a high cost of living since you'll be in higher demand. While a change in setting could impact your income, also consider pursuing certification in an industry specialty. This varies by job type, but certified emergency dispatcher credentials and International Academics of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) credentials are available with job-specific courses, training, and resources to help you progress faster along your career path. Since a high school diploma is all that's required, you'll set yourself apart by earning an associate's or bachelor's degree; many two-year schools offer programs or certifications for dispatching.

Since dispatcher positions require excellent communication and listening skills, you can request more from your role by demonstrating proven experience in both. Responding to a job offer? Explain how you've helped a caller out of a difficult situation, or how you calmed them down during an emergency using solid examples. Show you're an asset to your employer and willing to take on additional responsibilities. If you don't have much experience, factor in work you've done in customer service or hospitality. While asking for a 10% to 15% dispatcher salary raise is standard, you can score even more by considering sign-on bonuses, health insurance, vacation days, and travel allowances.