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The differences between dispatchers and can handlers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a dispatcher has an average salary of $35,328, which is higher than the $32,465 average annual salary of a can handler.
The top three skills for a dispatcher include customer service, data entry and computer aided dispatch. The most important skills for a can handler are customer service, patients, and supply support.
| Dispatcher | Can Handler | |
| Yearly salary | $35,328 | $32,465 |
| Hourly rate | $16.98 | $15.61 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 5,818 | 76,003 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.25 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 33% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 43 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
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.
Can handlers or material handlers have various duties and responsibilities within an organization. These include maintaining production and product distribution, staging finished products, and delivering production supplies and materials. Other responsibilities include maintaining inventory, documenting supplies and materials disposition, and receiving supplies and materials from production. They receive credit-return materials by verifying the code, quantity, and lot number. Can handlers also prepare products for shipment, maintain material-handling equipment, and contribute to teamwork and effort. The skills and qualifications needed for this position include organizational skills, inventory control, and data entry skills.
Dispatchers and can handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Dispatcher | Can Handler | |
| Average salary | $35,328 | $32,465 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $44,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Mt. San Antonio College | National Grid plc |
| Best paying industry | Government | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a dispatcher and a can handler in terms of educational background:
| Dispatcher | Can Handler | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 33% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between dispatchers' and can handlers' demographics:
| Dispatcher | Can Handler | |
| Average age | 43 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9% | Male, 67.4% Female, 32.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 5.5% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 5% |