Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
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.
Common Job Titles
- City Dispatcher
- Dispatcher (Dispatch)
- Taxi Dispatcher
- Train Dispatcher
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeCoordinate work crews, equipment, and service vehicle assignments using computer-aided dispatch systems and real-time communication tools under time-sensitive conditions.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess transportation routes and scheduling constraints considering traffic conditions, geographic factors, and customer service requirements.Proficient
- MindsetBalance competing service demands and resource limitations when managing multiple concurrent dispatch requests in high-pressure situations.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret customer service requests and technical work orders to determine appropriate personnel qualifications and equipment requirements.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze incoming service requests and emergency repair calls to determine priority levels and optimal resource allocation.Developing
- MindsetEngage with customers, drivers, and field personnel to maintain effective communication channels and resolve scheduling conflicts.Developing
- KnowledgeMonitor work progress, vehicle locations, and crew status using GPS tracking and mobile data terminal systems to ensure timely service delivery.Developing
- Hands-onOperate multi-line telephone systems, two-way radios, and dispatch servers to transmit assignments and maintain continuous communication with field units.Developing
- KnowledgeCompile statistical reports on work assignments, response times, and operational efficiency using database and spreadsheet software to support management decision-making.Developing
- KnowledgeApply public safety protocols and administrative procedures when dispatching personnel for normal operations and emergency service calls.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
211,000
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $34,600. 25th percentile: U.S. $40,240. 50th percentile: U.S. $48,880. 75th percentile: U.S. $61,520. 90th percentile: U.S. $76,130. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $34,600 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $76,130 |
| Workers on average earn | $53,150 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
- Public Safety and Security4.0/5
- Administration and Management3.9/5
- Administrative3.7/5
- English Language3.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Kronos Workforce Timekeeper
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- Air-Trak Cloudberry
- Bornemann Associates Flight Plan
- Command Alkon COMMANDconcrete
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Computer aided dispatch software
- Computer aided dispatching auto routing software
- Database software
- Digital Gateway e-automate
Tools & Equipment
- Call management systems CMS
- Centralized traffic control units
- Desktop computers
- Dispatch servers
- Job dispatch and vehicle tracking systems
- Mobile data terminal MDT equipment
- Mobile radios
- Multi-line telephone systems