Airline dispatcher vs air traffic controller

The differences between airline dispatchers and air traffic controllers 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 $45,071 average annual salary of an airline dispatcher.

The top three skills for an airline dispatcher include FAA, and . The most important skills for an air traffic controller are federal aviation administration, air traffic control, and NAS.

Airline dispatcher vs air traffic controller overview

	Airline Dispatcher	Air Traffic Controller
Yearly salary	$45,071	$49,141
Hourly rate	$21.67	$23.63
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	4,408	17,944
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	-	-

Airline dispatcher vs air traffic controller salary

Airline dispatchers and air traffic controllers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Airline Dispatcher	Air Traffic Controller
Average salary	$45,071	$49,141
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $78,000	Between $26,000 And $90,000
Highest paying City	-	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	-	Connecticut
Best paying company	-	SAIC
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between airline dispatcher and air traffic controller education

There are a few differences between an airline dispatcher and an air traffic controller in terms of educational background:

	Airline Dispatcher	Air Traffic Controller
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common major	Aviation	Aviation
Most common college	SUNY Farmingdale	SUNY Farmingdale

Airline dispatcher vs air traffic controller demographics

Here are the differences between airline dispatchers' and air traffic controllers' demographics:

	Airline Dispatcher	Air Traffic Controller
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2%	Male, 78.1% Female, 21.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 4.9% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	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%
LGBT Percentage	7%	7%

Differences between airline dispatcher and air traffic controller duties and responsibilities

Airline dispatcher example 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.

Air traffic controller example responsibilities.

Lead recruitment and training for first ever associate operational combat flying organization.
Assign as SME for the Milstar AFCPT maintenance course.
Represent the hospital by attending the monthly APIC meetings.
Comply with all AWP policies, procedures and safety requirements.
Have certification in traffic control, CPR, and OSHA.
Assist in the creation of several (NOTAMS) notice to airmen.

Airline dispatcher vs air traffic controller skills

Common airline dispatcher skills

FAA, 100%

Common air traffic controller skills

Federal Aviation Administration, 21%
Air Traffic Control, 20%
NAS, 18%
Maximize Safety, 3%
CTO, 3%
Emergency Situations, 3%

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Airline Dispatcher vs Air Traffic Controller

Updated January 8, 2025

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