Dispatcher vs coordinator

The differences between dispatchers and coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a dispatcher, becoming a coordinator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a coordinator has an average salary of $41,599, which is higher than the $35,328 average annual salary of a dispatcher.

The top three skills for a dispatcher include customer service, data entry and computer aided dispatch. The most important skills for a coordinator are customer service, patients, and excellent organizational.

Dispatcher vs coordinator overview

	Dispatcher	Coordinator
Yearly salary	$35,328	$41,599
Hourly rate	$16.98	$20.00
Growth rate	4%	12%
Number of jobs	5,818	151,508
Job satisfaction	4.25	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	12

What does a dispatcher do?

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.

What does a coordinator do?

Coordinators are responsible for liaising between the department they are assigned to and any other external party. They oversee projects or agreements. They are in charge of following through negotiations between the two parties regarding work. They see through the conduct of such contracts by ensuring that all terms are amenable to both parties. They maintain records and other necessary data and paperwork. They also ensure that office policy and guidelines are being followed. Coordinators also ensure that all projects are completed efficiently and effectively.

Dispatcher vs coordinator salary

Dispatchers and coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Dispatcher	Coordinator
Average salary	$35,328	$41,599
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $44,000	Between $27,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Mt. San Antonio College	Meta
Best paying industry	Government	Technology

Differences between dispatcher and coordinator education

There are a few differences between a dispatcher and a coordinator in terms of educational background:

	Dispatcher	Coordinator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	University of Southern California

Dispatcher vs coordinator demographics

Here are the differences between dispatchers' and coordinators' demographics:

	Dispatcher	Coordinator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9%	Male, 36.3% Female, 63.7%
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, 11.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 6.4% White, 53.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.1%
LGBT Percentage	7%	11%

Differences between dispatcher and coordinator duties and responsibilities

Dispatcher example responsibilities.

Manage accounts payable (A/P) and accounts receivable (A/R) using QuickBooks.
Manage dot hrs for drivers as far as what tasks can be done in a certain amount of time.
Manage customer service satisfaction by providing update eta and location of drivers.
Dispatch police fire and ems.
Dispatch district security patrol officers to assist district employees, students and residents with emergency situations.
Earn CDL with passenger endorsement.

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Coordinator example responsibilities.

Conduct kaizen blitz in the machine shop that achieve higher productivity and efficiency gains.
Manage documented records of meetings and contact with Pre-K teachers to discuss relevant information concerning children and families.
Manage and coordinate the workload of the release team members and are responsible for organizing and hosting all production release windows.
Manage IDT roster and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
Provide leadership development opportunities for youth and lead community events and activities for the community.
Facilitate development of veterans individual rehabilitation plans, which provide purpose, organization and empowerment to achieve life goals.

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Dispatcher vs coordinator skills

Common dispatcher skills

Customer Service, 34%
Data Entry, 8%
Computer Aided Dispatch, 4%
Non-Emergency Calls, 4%
Emergency Situations, 3%
EMS, 3%

Common coordinator skills

Customer Service, 21%
Patients, 10%
Excellent Organizational, 7%
Data Entry, 5%
Excellent Guest, 5%
Coordinators, 4%

Dispatcher vs. similar jobs

Dispatcher related careers

Dispatcher related jobs

Dispatcher jobs by location

Updated January 8, 2025

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