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The differences between dispatchers and fleet managers 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 fleet manager takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a fleet manager has an average salary of $49,492, 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 fleet manager are customer service, DOT, and vehicle fleet.
| Dispatcher | Fleet Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $35,328 | $49,492 |
| Hourly rate | $16.98 | $23.79 |
| Growth rate | 4% | - |
| Number of jobs | 5,818 | 14,157 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.25 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
A fleet manager is responsible for monitoring the delivery processes, including the maintenance and registration of delivery vehicles, recruiting delivery drivers, and regularly inspecting the vehicle's engine to boost optimal performance for efficient deliveries. Fleet managers purchase the vehicles, negotiating contracts with trusted manufacturers, and try to keep minimal costs without compromising quality. They also manage delivery schedules, respond to the receivers' inquiries and concerns, and resolve delivery complaints immediately. A fleet manager must have excellent communication and analytical skills, especially on strategizing profitability techniques and identify related business opportunities.
Dispatchers and fleet managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Dispatcher | Fleet Manager | |
| Average salary | $35,328 | $49,492 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $44,000 | Between $31,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Anaheim, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Mt. San Antonio College | VIA Motors |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a dispatcher and a fleet manager in terms of educational background:
| Dispatcher | Fleet Manager | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between dispatchers' and fleet managers' demographics:
| Dispatcher | Fleet Manager | |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9% | Male, 83.2% Female, 16.8% |
| 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, 11.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 6.2% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 5% |