What is a Dispatcher, What They Do, and How to Get Started?

If you’ve ever called a customer support line or a service technician, then you may have talked to a dispatcher. Dispatchers are professionals who coordinate the movement of goods, services, and people. But what do they do, and how does one get started in this field?

What is a Dispatcher?

Dispatchers are professionals who coordinate the movement of goods, services, and/or people. They typically work in industries that require constant communication between various parties. For example, they may work in transportation, logistics, utilities, or other service-related industries.

Dispatchers typically work in a control room, armed with a desk, a computer system, and multiple communication tools, including a phone, a radio, or a computer-based communication system. They monitor the location and status of various vehicles or personnel, communicate with them, and ensure timely delivery of goods or services.

Types of Dispatcher Jobs

Dispatchers don’t just work in emergency services, such as police, fire, and ambulance. There are dozens of industries that need dispatchers to coordinate their operations. Here are some common types of dispatcher jobs:

• Trucking dispatcher – coordinate the movement of trucks and their cargo
• Logistics dispatcher – plan and track shipments of goods
• Transportation dispatcher – manage public transportation schedules, routes, and drivers
• Utility dispatcher – monitor and coordinate the operation of utilities, such as electricity, natural gas, or water
• Field service dispatcher – manage technical service appointments and dispatch technicians to job sites
• Customer service dispatcher – manage customer service calls and dispatch agents to handle service requests

How to Become a Dispatcher?

The minimal education requirement for a dispatcher job is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers prefer candidates who have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as business, communications, or logistics.

Most importantly, dispatchers need excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail. They must be able to multi-task, prioritize tasks, and work well under pressure. Familiarity with computer systems and software is essential, as most dispatchers work with various types of software systems that require data entry, tracking, and reporting.

How to Progress in the Dispatcher Field?

Entry-level dispatcher jobs typically involve monitoring and reporting on the status of vehicles or other assets. As a dispatcher gains experience, they may be responsible for managing larger fleets, coordinating more complex operations, and supervising other dispatchers. Many dispatchers advance to managerial roles, such as operations or logistics managers, which involve oversight of a company’s entire dispatching function.

How to Get Started in the Dispatcher Field?

If you’re new to the dispatcher field, the best way to get started is to look for entry-level dispatcher jobs with local service companies or logistics providers. Many such companies provide on-the-job training to new dispatchers, teaching them how to use the company’s software systems, communicate effectively with customers or service providers, and manage dispatch operations.

You can also consider getting a certification in dispatcher training, offered by various organizations, such as the National Academy of Police Dispatchers or the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Certification can increase your chances of getting hired and provide you with specialized training in areas such as emergency medical dispatch or transportation logistics.

Overall, the dispatcher field can be an exciting and challenging career choice for people who enjoy coordination, communication, and problem-solving. Whether you’re interested in transportation, logistics, or other service-related industries, there are plenty of opportunities for dispatchers to advance and grow their careers.

Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance are responsible for coordinating and directing the activities of transportation services, such as shipping and delivery companies, and utility companies, such as gas and electric providers but excluding emergency services. The position requires excellent communication skills, as the dispatcher needs to be able to interpret information and communicate it to the appropriate parties quickly and effectively.

The salary data for this occupation varies based on experience level, union status, and geographic location. The US national average wage for dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance, ranges from $28,828.80 to $62,233.60, depending on the experience level and job level. The highest-paying geographies are New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA, with full-time dispatchers earning an average of $59,550.40, while the least-paid geography is Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC, with time-based pay dispatchers earning an average of $38,188.80.

Unionization can impact this occupation’s wages and benefits, with unionized workers earning higher wages than nonunionized workers. In the US national average, unionized dispatchers earned an average of $59,987.20, while nonunion dispatchers earned an average of $46,800.00. Full-time dispatchers earned an average of $49,067.20, with unionized dispatchers earning $53,102.40 on average and nonunion dispatchers earning $43,472.00.

The following table presents the US national average wages for dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance, based on experience level, job level, union status, and full-time status.

| Experience Level | Job Level | Union Status | Full-Time Status | Average Wage (Low) | Average Wage (High) |
|——————|———–|————-|—————–|——————–|———————|
| All Workers | Level 03 | Nonunion | Full-time | $28,828.80 | $35,755.20 |
| All Workers | Level 04 | Nonunion | Full-time | $40,518.40 | $42,660.80 |
| All Workers | Level 05 | Nonunion | Full-time | $56,201.60 | $57,012.80 |
| All Workers | Level 06 | Nonunion | Full-time | $53,976.00 | $54,204.80 |
| All Workers | Not leveled | Nonunion | Full-time | $43,659.20 | $47,528.00 |
| Entry Level | N/A | Nonunion | Full-time | $44,137.60 | N/A |
| Experienced | N/A | Nonunion | Full-time | $62,233.60 | N/A |
| All Workers | N/A | Union | Full-time | $53,102.40 | $59,987.20 |
| All Workers | N/A | Nonunion | Full-time | $43,472.00 | $46,800.00 |
| All Workers | N/A | N/A | Full-time | $45,656.00 | $49,067.20 |
| Level 03 | N/A | N/A | Full-time | $29,057.60 | $35,755.20 |
| Level 04 | N/A | N/A | Full-time | $40,643.20 | $42,660.80 |
| Level 05 | N/A | N/A | Full-time | $56,284.80 | $57,012.80 |
| Level 06 | N/A | N/A | Full-time | $53,976.00 | $54,204.80 |
| Not leveled | N/A | N/A | Full-time | $44,179.20 | $47,528.00 |
| Entry Level | N/A | N/A | Full-time | $44,948.80 | N/A |
| Experienced | N/A | N/A | Full-time | $62,212.80 | N/A |
| All Workers | N/A | N/A | Time-based pay | $45,323.20 | $48,422.40 |

In summary, dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance, play a crucial role in coordinating and directing the activities of transportation and utility companies. The wages for this occupation are affected by experience level, job level, union status, and geographic location. Unionized dispatchers earn higher wages and benefits than nonunionized dispatchers, with the highest-paying geographies being New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA.