Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of dispatchers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of dispatchers:
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Train Dispatcher is the highest-paid type of dispatcher with an average salary of $48,374 and an average hourly rate of $23.26.
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The second highest-paying type of dispatcher is dispatcher/driver, with an average salary of $41,265.
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The average dispatcher salary is $35,328 per year, and the average hourly pay is $16.98.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a dispatcher, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of dispatchers are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of dispatchers:
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Train Dispatcher
Average Salary: $48,374
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Dispatcher/Driver
Average Salary: $41,265
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Dispatcher Supervisor
Average Salary: $41,106
A dispatcher supervisor is responsible for monitoring the delivery details, ensuring that the orders are being sent out to the customers timely and efficiently. Dispatcher supervisors manage the order processing, verify the payment receipt, and inspect the items for any defects before delivery. They also coordinate with the customers on the exact schedule of shipment, responding to their inquiries and concerns, and adjust delivery plans as needed. A dispatcher supervisor evaluates the staff’s performance, strategizing procedures on maximizing the team’s productivity to meet customer demands and increase company profits.
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Lead Dispatch
Average Salary: $39,625
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Operations/Dispatch
Average Salary: $39,483
An operations dispatcher is a communication liaison between delivery drivers, customers, and an operations center of a delivery service or distributorship. You should effectively communicate with drivers for timely and efficient deliveries and inform customers of expected times of delivery. Operations dispatchers develop the most efficient delivery routes and keep in touch with drivers throughout a delivery run, monitor any abrupt changes on the routes such as constructions, and work with management to alter set routes to accommodate customer needs.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various dispatcher that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Dispatchers
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for dispatchers.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Dispatcher Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid dispatcher job?
The highest-paid dispatcher job is a train dispatcher. Train Dispatchers earn an average salary of $48,374, which is $ 23.26 hourly.
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What is a good salary for a dispatcher?
A good salary for a dispatcher is $35,328 or more. The average dispatcher salary is $35,328, so those making at least $35,328 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average dispatcher salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a dispatcher, the average entry level salary is $22,484, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $35,328 average, as this includes all dispatchers of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Dispatcher jobs pay well?
No, dispatcher jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some dispatcher jobs pay better than others, but the average dispatcher salary of $35,328 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many dispatcher jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of dispatchers earning $41,766 a year on average.
Dispatchers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a dispatcher. Do your research on the going rate for a dispatcher in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do dispatchers get paid the most?
Dispatchers get paid the most in Alaska. In Alaska, dispatchers earn an average annual salary of $46,570 and an average hourly wage of $22.39.
Following AK, the states with the highest-paid dispatchers are Washington, New Hampshire, and North Dakota, with average annual salaries of $44,513, $38,034, and $37,609 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid dispatcher salaries are:
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Seattle, WA – $44,841
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Oakland, CA – $41,073
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Boston, MA – $39,638
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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.
