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Dispatcher/driver vs train dispatcher

The differences between dispatcher/drivers and train dispatchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a dispatcher/driver and a train dispatcher. Additionally, a train dispatcher has an average salary of $48,374, which is higher than the $41,265 average annual salary of a dispatcher/driver.

The top three skills for a dispatcher/driver include customer service, DOT and relevant safety regulations. The most important skills for a train dispatcher are emergency situations, train movement, and FRA.

Dispatcher/driver vs train dispatcher overview

Dispatcher/DriverTrain Dispatcher
Yearly salary$41,265$48,374
Hourly rate$19.84$23.26
Growth rate11%-
Number of jobs130,0145,390
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

Dispatcher/driver vs train dispatcher salary

Dispatcher/drivers and train dispatchers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dispatcher/DriverTrain Dispatcher
Average salary$41,265$48,374
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $60,000Between $26,000 And $89,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between dispatcher/driver and train dispatcher education

There are a few differences between a dispatcher/driver and a train dispatcher in terms of educational background:

Dispatcher/DriverTrain Dispatcher
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Dispatcher/driver vs train dispatcher demographics

Here are the differences between dispatcher/drivers' and train dispatchers' demographics:

Dispatcher/DriverTrain Dispatcher
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 66.9% Female, 33.1%Male, 60.7% Female, 39.3%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 Percentage7%7%

Differences between dispatcher/driver and train dispatcher duties and responsibilities

Dispatcher/driver example responsibilities.

  • Manage customer service satisfaction by providing update eta and location of drivers.
  • Spearhead FRA derailment investigations, providing reporting and on-site leadership to emergency situations.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate the logistics and property accountability plans and policies for the organization.
  • Direct inbound and outbound logistics operations, such as transportation and warehouse activities, safety performance, and logistics quality management.
  • Monitor CCTV cameras for criminal activity.
  • Monitor the entire facility using CCTV while simultaneously performing dispatching duties.
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Train dispatcher example responsibilities.

  • Manage and organize project teams internally during implementation of new CMTS system.
  • Call and assign train crews (i.e., engineers, conductors and brakeman) for rail yard and over-the-road train operations.
  • Train HAZMAT awareness and CPR.
  • Devolve and implement course outline and syllabus.
  • Request advanced technical and specialize training through command and DoD agencies.
  • Participate actively on company's first response team and receive training in safety awareness, first response, and CPR.
  • Show more

Dispatcher/driver vs train dispatcher skills

Common dispatcher/driver skills
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • DOT, 14%
  • Relevant Safety Regulations, 11%
  • CDL, 8%
  • Service Vehicle, 6%
  • Pickup, 6%
Common train dispatcher skills
  • Emergency Situations, 15%
  • Train Movement, 12%
  • FRA, 9%
  • Emergency Calls, 9%
  • Federal Safety Rules, 5%
  • Traffic Signals, 5%

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