How much does a dispatcher make a month?

Dispatchers in the U.S. earn an average of approximately $3,818 per month ($45,823 annually), with most salaries ranging between $2,950 and $4,100 monthly based on experience, location, and industry. Top earners can make over $5,000 monthly, while entry-level positions often start around $1,950–$2,500.

What kind of dispatchers get paid the most?

High Paying Transportation Dispatcher Jobs

• Chief Dispatcher. Salary range: $45,500 - $101,000. ...
• Freight Dispatcher. Salary range: $42,500 - $73,500. ...
• Dispatch Coordinator. Salary range: $37,500 - $69,000. ...
• Radio Dispatcher. Salary range: $38,000 - $60,000. ...
• Dispatch Associate. ...
• Intermodal Dispatcher. ...
• Truck Dispatcher. ...
• Routing Clerk.

How much is dispatch paid?

Average base salary

The average salary for a dispatcher is $20.50 per hour in the United States. 16.8k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated December 22, 2025).

Is a dispatcher a good job?

Becoming a 911 dispatcher can be a very good career choice for people who want steady work, meaningful public service, and roles that use quick decision-making and communication skills. Whether it's a good fit depends on temperament, career goals, and how you weigh the job's stresses and rewards.

Do I need a CDL to be a dispatcher?

Truck dispatchers don't have a formal license requirement in the U.S., but license requirements may vary from company to company. If you want to be a truck dispatcher who owns their own business, you may also need to get a permit through the motor carrier authority and/or a business license in order to operate.

How Much Can You Earn as an Independent Truck Dispatcher Real Earnings Revealed!

Is it hard to get hired as a dispatcher?

Dispatching Jobs are Difficult to Get

To qualify to apply for a 911 dispatcher job, you must meet a number of requirements. These include, but are not limited to: High school diploma/GED or higher education depending on the service. Speak excellent and clear English and be able to write it as well.

What schooling do I need to be a dispatcher?

Communications centers offer on-the-job training for dispatchers. You do not need to go to college to work as a dispatcher. Many employers hire workers who have a high school diploma or GED. Some community colleges and career centers offer programs for students who want to become dispatchers.

How hard is the dispatcher test?

Is the Dispatcher Test Hard? The Dispatcher test is considered a hard exam since it simulates the challenging tasks of actual 911 dispatchers and because of the strict time limits in some of its modules.

How long does it take to learn dispatching?

The Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course has a minimum hourly requirement of 160 hours, which is divided into 19 individual topics, called Learning Domains.

Is dispatch a stressful job?

Law enforcement communications (i.e., 911 dispatch and call takers) is a challenging and stressful occupation.

Can dispatchers work remotely?

A Remote 911 Dispatcher is responsible for answering emergency calls, assessing situations, and dispatching the appropriate emergency services, all while working from a remote location. They use specialized software and communication tools to coordinate with police, fire, and medical personnel.

How much does dispatch work pay?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $70,000 and as low as $23,500, the majority of Dispatcher salaries currently range between $35,500 (25th percentile) to $49,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $60,500 annually across the United States.

What does a dispatcher do daily?

Dispatcher job responsibilities directly impact the overall efficiency of daily operations and aid in resource management as they coordinate and assign routes and prioritize calls for work teams within an organization.

What is 30$ an hour salary in California?

$30 an hour is $62,400 per year if working a standard 40-hour week ($30 x 40 hours x 52 weeks), but actual income in California varies due to taxes, overtime, and potential for higher wages in specific areas, with some sources showing averages around $102,000+ depending on job type and location. 

What skills are needed to be a dispatcher?

To be a successful dispatcher, you need strong communication, multitasking, and problem-solving skills, combined with the ability to stay calm under pressure, listen actively, and make quick decisions, while also mastering technical tools like dispatch software and radio systems for efficient, accurate information relay in high-stress emergency or logistical environments. 

Is it hard to get a job as a dispatcher?

Even with no experience, it is possible to get an entry-level job as a dispatcher. The primary qualifications for this position are a high school diploma and the ability to remain professional in stressful situations.

How much does dispatch school cost?

The Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course is 5 weeks long and covers at least 200 hours of classroom instruction (as required by Federal Aviation Regulations). The total 2023 tuition cost is $5,500, without any discounts applied.

How do I start dispatching work?

To start dispatch work in GTA Online (from the Bottom Dollar Bounties update), you need to own a specific police vehicle, complete the "Slush Fund" mission first, then enter your police car, make sure you're not a CEO/MC, and press the designated button (R3/Right Stick on console, 'B' on PC) to trigger a mission request from Vincent, accepting it with the D-pad to begin. You can then exit the police car and use faster vehicles like the Oppressor to complete the tasks. 

How to pass a dispatcher exam?

To pass a dispatcher test (like CritiCall or POST), focus on practicing core skills: fast, accurate typing (35+ WPM), data entry, map reading (N, S, E, W), multitasking, and following complex rules under pressure for logical problem-solving. Use online practice tests and guides, study reasoning/memory exercises, and ensure a quiet environment to build speed and accuracy in verbal, memory, and perceptual tasks. 

What typing speed do you need to be a dispatcher?

Successful applicants should have the ability to meet the QAS minimum typing speed of 40 words per minute with 95 percent accuracy.

What is a typical dispatcher's day like?

A dispatcher's work day is fast-paced and stressful as they coordinate service calls, manage schedules, and ensure the right technician is assigned to each job.

Do you need a CDL to be a dispatcher?

Whether truck dispatchers need a license depends on their services and regulatory compliance. While no specific “dispatcher license” exists, they may operate under carriers or require licensing as brokers. Understanding regulations is crucial for aspiring dispatchers to ensure compliance.

Do dispatchers get time off?

For the general public curious about this career: yes, dispatchers do get days off, but they also carry a lot of responsibility that doesn't always stop when the shift officially ends. Successful dispatchers learn to balance this by working in well-coordinated teams and using tools to hand off duties when they're off.

What disqualifies you from being a 911 dispatcher?

there must be no indications of instability in their employment history; including excessive tardiness or absenteeism, inefficiency, failure to follow directions, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, poor working relationships, or negligent work habits.