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The 10 Best States for Dispatchers in 2026
As we move into 2026, the role of dispatchers remains vital across various industries in the United States. With the advent of advanced communication technologies and evolving workplace dynamics, dispatchers play a crucial role in operational efficiency and public safety. Understanding where these professionals can thrive is essential for career planning and advancement.
At Zippia, we analyzed the current labor market data to identify the best states for dispatchers. Our research focused on job availability and competitive salaries, ensuring we highlight locations where dispatchers can build successful careers.
After analyzing the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we present the top ten states for dispatchers in 2026:
This list showcases the leading states for dispatchers, emphasizing not only job opportunities but also fair compensation across various experience levels. Read on to learn how we determined these rankings and explore the specifics for each state.
How We Determined the Best States for Dispatchers
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate their career paths. Our research revealed two key factors that most job seekers prioritize:
- Job availability
- Competitive salaries
To identify the best states for dispatchers, we analyzed job availability and salary data, using the following criteria sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location quotient: A measure of job concentration in a given state.
- Average annual salary.
- Entry-level average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
To ensure accurate comparisons, we adjusted salary figures based on each state’s cost of living. This approach helps highlight the true purchasing power of salaries in different regions. For instance, while California’s average dispatcher salary is $45,370, the same job in Illinois offers $46,270, but the Illinois salary stretches further in terms of living expenses.
We ranked each state based on these criteria, assigning scores from 1 to 50, with 1 being the best. The overall Job Score reflects each state’s ranking across all criteria, with the lowest score indicating the best state for dispatchers.
1. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 2,260
Average Annual Salary: $58,030
Average Entry Level Salary: $30,900
Average Experienced Salary: $93,580
Location Quotient: 1.67
2. North Dakota
Total Jobs: 970
Average Annual Salary: $57,140
Average Entry Level Salary: $33,640
Average Experienced Salary: $89,420
Location Quotient: 1.68
3. Missouri
Total Jobs: 4,510
Average Annual Salary: $44,150
Average Entry Level Salary: $26,460
Average Experienced Salary: $65,980
Location Quotient: 1.17
4. Indiana
Total Jobs: 4,850
Average Annual Salary: $43,920
Average Entry Level Salary: $24,150
Average Experienced Salary: $70,360
Location Quotient: 1.15
5. Washington
Total Jobs: 4,360
Average Annual Salary: $50,760
Average Entry Level Salary: $30,890
Average Experienced Salary: $76,560
Location Quotient: 0.97
6. Texas
Total Jobs: 22,240
Average Annual Salary: $41,440
Average Entry Level Salary: $24,540
Average Experienced Salary: $61,250
Location Quotient: 1.33
7. Illinois
Total Jobs: 6,750
Average Annual Salary: $46,270
Average Entry Level Salary: $25,850
Average Experienced Salary: $73,620
Location Quotient: 0.82
8. Kansas
Total Jobs: 1,850
Average Annual Salary: $41,240
Average Entry Level Salary: $24,030
Average Experienced Salary: $63,580
Location Quotient: 0.97
9. Iowa
Total Jobs: 1,700
Average Annual Salary: $44,660
Average Entry Level Salary: $26,380
Average Experienced Salary: $65,550
Location Quotient: 0.8
10. Utah
Total Jobs: 1,760
Average Annual Salary: $44,320
Average Entry Level Salary: $27,630
Average Experienced Salary: $64,450
Location Quotient: 0.87
There You Have It – The Best States for Dispatchers
For those looking to embark on a career as a dispatcher, these states stand out for their high salaries, ample job opportunities, and potential for career growth. Explore these options to make informed decisions about your future as a dispatcher.
If you’re curious about less favorable locations for dispatchers, here are the states to approach with caution:
Detailed List of the Best States for Dispatchers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nebraska | $58,030 |
| 2 | North Dakota | $57,140 |
| 3 | Missouri | $44,150 |
| 4 | Indiana | $43,920 |
| 5 | Washington | $50,760 |
| 6 | Texas | $41,440 |
| 7 | Illinois | $46,270 |
| 8 | Kansas | $41,240 |
| 9 | Iowa | $44,660 |
| 10 | Utah | $44,320 |
| 11 | Minnesota | $45,520 |
| 12 | Michigan | $40,870 |
| 13 | Wisconsin | $43,130 |
| 14 | Delaware | $45,760 |
| 15 | Oklahoma | $39,320 |
| 16 | New Mexico | $43,720 |
| 17 | Tennessee | $38,690 |
| 18 | Mississippi | $40,370 |
| 19 | Georgia | $39,250 |
| 20 | Ohio | $42,150 |
| 21 | Alaska | $52,950 |
| 22 | Kentucky | $38,470 |
| 23 | Alabama | $38,980 |
| 24 | South Carolina | $43,010 |
| 25 | Wyoming | $43,320 |
| 26 | Colorado | $43,980 |
| 27 | Arkansas | $36,490 |
| 28 | Louisiana | $38,780 |
| 29 | Pennsylvania | $41,630 |
| 30 | Nevada | $39,200 |
| 31 | Maine | $40,860 |
| 32 | North Carolina | $39,920 |
| 33 | Oregon | $44,510 |
| 34 | New York | $48,570 |
| 35 | West Virginia | $41,050 |
| 36 | Connecticut | $47,820 |
| 37 | Virginia | $41,140 |
| 38 | Arizona | $38,970 |
| 39 | Vermont | $42,820 |
| 40 | New Jersey | $43,720 |
| 41 | Idaho | $37,220 |
| 42 | Montana | $39,170 |
| 43 | Florida | $35,930 |
| 44 | Rhode Island | $44,120 |
| 45 | New Hampshire | $43,720 |
| 46 | Maryland | $41,790 |
| 47 | Hawaii | $43,080 |
| 48 | California | $45,370 |
| 49 | Massachusetts | $46,020 |
| 50 | South Dakota | $34,190 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
