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The differences between air traffic controllers and dispatchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an air traffic controller has an average salary of $49,141, which is higher than the $35,328 average annual salary of a dispatcher.
The top three skills for an air traffic controller include federal aviation administration, air traffic control and NAS. The most important skills for a dispatcher are customer service, data entry, and computer aided dispatch.
| Air Traffic Controller | Dispatcher | |
| Yearly salary | $49,141 | $35,328 |
| Hourly rate | $23.63 | $16.98 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 17,944 | 5,818 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | High School Diploma, 33% |
| Average age | 38 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
An air traffic controller specializes in overseeing and directing airspace traffic, all while maintaining an active line of communication with aircraft to ensure safe and efficient air travels. Generally assigned in ground control centers and towers, an air traffic controller's responsibilities revolve around utilizing technology to monitor flight paths, weather, and airport runways to guide pilots and airport personnel, coordinating with other control officers, inspecting and maintaining instruments and equipment in good condition, and alerting departments and assigned personnel should there be any emergencies.
Dispatchers are generally responsible for coordinating with the customers regarding the delivery status of the products and providing precise logistics and the fastest transportation routes to the professional drivers to ensure smooth and timely deliveries. A dispatcher is required to monitor the driver's location, strictly track road situations at all times to provide real-time updates for the customers, and advise the driver for alternative routes. Dispatchers also need to address possible customer complaints and process scheduling accurately to avoid inconsistencies in the delivery time.
Air traffic controllers and dispatchers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Air Traffic Controller | Dispatcher | |
| Average salary | $49,141 | $35,328 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $90,000 | Between $27,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Alaska |
| Best paying company | SAIC | Mt. San Antonio College |
| Best paying industry | - | Government |
There are a few differences between an air traffic controller and a dispatcher in terms of educational background:
| Air Traffic Controller | Dispatcher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | High School Diploma, 33% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Business |
| Most common college | SUNY Farmingdale | - |
Here are the differences between air traffic controllers' and dispatchers' demographics:
| Air Traffic Controller | Dispatcher | |
| Average age | 38 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.1% Female, 21.9% | Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 5.3% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 3.8% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |