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What is an airline dispatcher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an airline dispatcher. For example, did you know that they make an average of $21.67 an hour? That's $45,071 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 1% and produce 100 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreAirline DispatcherUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $45,071

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
10.0

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.64%

Asian 4.88%

Black or African American 5.94%

Hispanic or Latino 14.01%

Unknown 7.22%

White 67.30%

Gender

female 22.22%

male 77.78%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an airline dispatcher

  1. Explore airline dispatcher education requirements

    Most common airline dispatcher degrees

    Bachelor's

    52.4 %

    Associate

    38.1 %

    Diploma

    4.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific airline dispatcher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    FAA100.00%
  3. Complete relevant airline dispatcher training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New airline dispatchers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an airline dispatcher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real airline dispatcher resumes.
  4. Research airline dispatcher duties and responsibilities

    • Manage dot hrs for drivers as far as what tasks can be done in a certain amount of time.
    • Dispatch aircraft in accordance with FAA regulations and company define policies.
    • General terminal maintenance including minor electrical, mechanical, and plumbing repairs.
    • General terminal maintenance including minor electrical, mechanical, and plumbing repairs.
  5. Prepare your airline dispatcher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your airline dispatcher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an airline dispatcher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable airline dispatcher resume templates

    Build a professional airline dispatcher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your airline dispatcher resume.
    Airline Dispatcher Resume
    Airline Dispatcher Resume
    Airline Dispatcher Resume
    Airline Dispatcher Resume
    Airline Dispatcher Resume
    Airline Dispatcher Resume
    Airline Dispatcher Resume
    Airline Dispatcher Resume
    Airline Dispatcher Resume
  6. Apply for airline dispatcher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an airline dispatcher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first airline dispatcher job

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Average airline dispatcher salary

The average airline dispatcher salary in the United States is $45,071 per year or $22 per hour. Airline dispatcher salaries range between $25,000 and $78,000 per year.

Average airline dispatcher salary
$45,071 Yearly
$21.67 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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