How to hire an aircraft dispatcher

How to hire an aircraft dispatcher, step by step

Here's a step-by-step aircraft dispatcher hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an aircraft dispatcher job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new aircraft dispatcher
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the aircraft dispatcher you need to hire. Certain aircraft dispatcher roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An aircraft dispatcher's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, aircraft dispatchers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of aircraft dispatcher salaries for various roles:

   Type of Aircraft Dispatcher	Description	Hourly rate
   Aircraft Dispatcher	Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of air traffic to ensure that aircraft stay safe distances apart.	$12-37
   Traffic Controller	The primary role of a traffic controller is to direct the flow of machinery and vehicles on roads and any other work sites. Traffic controllers coordinate, setup, manage, and remove traffic control... Show more	$11-30
   Air Traffic Controller	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.	$12-43

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Flight Operations
   • Maintenance Control
   • On-The-Job Training
   • Aircraft Maintenance
   • Air Traffic Control
   • Flight Planning System
   • NOTAMs
   • Federal Air
   • Crew Scheduling
   • Operational Control
   • Federal Aviation Administration
   • CDL
   • Flight Crews
   • MEL

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Schedule flight crews for assignments, mange corporate aircraft fleet, manage charter customer base, manage record keeping for FAA requirements
   • Monitor airborne aircraft and communicate weather, NOTAMS, and airfield updates to the crew.
   • Plan flights with consideration of weather, NOTAMS, aircraft capabilities, company requirements and aircraft airworthiness.
   • Originate and disseminate flight information to others in the company including stations and reservations.
   • Coordinate with DOD and OSHA during on-site inspections.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your aircraft dispatcher job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An aircraft dispatcher salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, aircraft dispatchers' average salary in kansas is 49% less than in delaware.
   • Seniority. Entry-level aircraft dispatchers earn 68% less than senior-level aircraft dispatchers.
   • Certifications. An aircraft dispatcher with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an aircraft dispatcher's salary.

   Average aircraft dispatcher salary

   $44,527yearly

   $21.41 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level aircraft dispatcher salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 27, 2025

4. Writing an aircraft dispatcher job description

   An aircraft dispatcher job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of an aircraft dispatcher job description:

   Aircraft dispatcher job description example

   Aircraft Dispatcher Reports to: Manager of Aircraft Dispatch Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania (“Philly”) A. Overview At Eastern Airlines curiosity and excitement for growth go a long way. In fact, Eastern Airlines was launched by seekers, adventurers and above all fliers. Our rich legacy and pioneering spirit are still evident in our team today. Our open-hearted attitude, respect for the people we fly and our attention to detail is what sets Eastern Airlines apart from its competitors. Natural curiosity and hunger for wonder are behaviors that make our employees successful. This summary provides a listing of the knowledge, skills and abilities that are critical components of the position for Aircraft Dispatcher. B. General
   
   This is a full-time position that will report to the Manager of Aircraft Dispatch and interacts with the Director of System Operations Control, the Director of Operations, the Chief Pilot, the Director of Inflight, the Director of Maintenance, other aircraft dispatchers, crew schedulers, maintenance controllers, and is responsible for the day to day flight dispatching and logistics of the airline relating to aircraft, security, personnel and costs. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of all FAR Part 121 aircraft dispatch requirements. Good communication skills are required, and the successful candidate must be able to exhibit the values and culture of the company while working with flight crews in a fast paced/dynamic environment. C. Duties and Responsibilities
   
   The duties of the Aircraft Dispatcher are as follows: · Be highly knowledgeable of FAA Regulations, the Company’s GOM, SOCM, OpSpecs, and other materials pertinent to the duties; · Be highly knowledgeable in-flight dispatching, logistic support and must be able to make time-dependent logistical decisions relating to
   the safety of flight, security, personnel, and costs; · Ensure flight operations are conducted in a professional and disciplined manner in accordance with applicable FAA regulations plus the
   Company’s GOM, SOCM, and OpSpecs; · Ensure the safety of the passengers and aircraft; · Ensure flight crews are assigned and flights are released in accordance with guidance provided by the Director Operations, Director
   System Operations Control, Chief Pilot, Director of Inflight, the Director of Maintenance, or their respective designees; · Coordinate scheduled and non-scheduled aircraft maintenance with the Director of Maintenance, Maintenance Control, or designee; · Maintain flight-following to ensure safety of all flights; · Maintain department records to ensure accurate reporting, currency, and accounting; · Ensure passenger requirements are communicated to the flight crew; · Maintain close liaison / communications (pre-flight / post-flight) with flight crew; · Schedule ground transportation and accommodations for flight crew, as needed; · Monitor flight and duty time of crew to ensure compliance; · Monitor flight crew qualifications; · Monitor aircraft maintenance compliance requirements · Initiate, amend and prepare Flight Releases in accordance with 14 CFR FAR Part 121 Domestic and Flag regulations.; · Ensure crew and aircraft assignment are current and up to date; · Provide computerized flight plan and weather / NOTAM packages per request. D. Qualifications · FAA Aircraft Dispatcher’s Certificate (mandatory) · High School Diploma, GED or equivalent; Associate degree or higher preferred · 2 or more years of experience in customer service · 2 or more years of experience working in an aircraft dispatch environment utilizing large turbo aircraft (mandatory) and international
   experience preferred · Airline industry or operational experience · Reliable and self-motivated with a positive attitude · Able to multitask efficiently and effectively to meet deadlines · Interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills · PC proficient in Microsoft Office products and general internet applications · Ability to work any shift including evenings, weekends, holidays as needed · Ability to read, write, speak and understand English · Repetitive motion such as typing and phone work. · Minimal physical exertion such as: pulling, pushing, reaching, bending, standing, walking, and light lifting of boxes, bags, files, and
   electronic equipment not in excess of 30 lbs. Company DescriptionEastern Airlines was originally founded in 1926. By 1930, Eastern grew to become one of the “Big Four” domestic airlines, where it would remain for the next several decades. As a carrier with a legacy of pioneering new routes, we brought Eastern Airlines back to the skies for its next adventure as the first scheduled carrier to be certified in the United States since 2007. Our mission is to bring back the sense of awe and wonder to air travel by providing underserved markets across the globe with direct, nonstop flights with the best value.
   
   At Eastern Airlines curiosity and excitement for growth go a long way. In fact, Eastern Airlines was launched by seekers, adventurers and above all fliers. Our rich legacy and pioneering spirit are still evident in our team today.
   
   Our open-hearted attitude, respect for the people we fly and our attention to detail is what sets Eastern Airlines apart from its competitors. Natural curiosity and hunger for wonder are behaviors that make our employees successful.
   
   Part 121 Scheduled Air Carrier
   
   Benefits:
   Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K (with employer match), Profit Sharing
   
   Supported Manufacturers:
   Boeing
   
   Supported Models:
   B767-200/300, B-777

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find aircraft dispatchers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any aircraft dispatchers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level aircraft dispatchers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your aircraft dispatcher job on Zippia to find and recruit aircraft dispatcher candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit aircraft dispatchers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new aircraft dispatcher

   Once you have selected a candidate for the aircraft dispatcher position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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