Dispatcher vs telecommunicator

The differences between dispatchers and telecommunicators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a telecommunicator has an average salary of $39,327, 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 telecommunicator are computer aided dispatch, CAD, and EMS.

Dispatcher vs telecommunicator overview

	Dispatcher	Telecommunicator
Yearly salary	$35,328	$39,327
Hourly rate	$16.98	$18.91
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	5,818	4,083
Job satisfaction	4.25	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Average age	43	39
Years of experience	2	-

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 telecommunicator do?

A telecommunicator receives calls and obtains information from people in need of assistance. Telecommunicators, also called 911 or public safety dispatchers, use a two-way radio in dispatching the right services to police officers, first responders, and firefighters. The telecommunicators coordinate communications between emergency personnel, police, and the public. They keep detailed records as well as trace drivers and their automobiles. The skills and knowledge necessary for this job include a dispatch system, public safety, and stressful situation management.

Dispatcher vs telecommunicator salary

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

	Dispatcher	Telecommunicator
Average salary	$35,328	$39,327
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $44,000	Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Stockton, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	California
Best paying company	Mt. San Antonio College	City of Detroit
Best paying industry	Government	Government

Differences between dispatcher and telecommunicator education

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

	Dispatcher	Telecommunicator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Most common major	Business	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Dispatcher vs telecommunicator demographics

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

	Dispatcher	Telecommunicator
Average age	43	39
Gender ratio	Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9%	Male, 29.0% Female, 71.0%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 0.9% White, 72.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	7%	17%

Differences between dispatcher and telecommunicator 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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Telecommunicator example responsibilities.

Help organize telecommunication PSAP and back-up PSAP weekly.
Use NCIC and FCIC and provide accurate information for search.
Provide CPR instructions over the phone until emergency personnel arrive at location.
Monitor radio communications at the same time and update cad throughout emergency.
Monitor activities of officers on patrol and makes radio contact to ensure safety.
Maintain licenses to NCIC, FCIC, NLETS and other law enforcement information network.

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Dispatcher vs telecommunicator skills

Common dispatcher skills

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

Common telecommunicator skills

Computer Aided Dispatch, 14%
CAD, 7%
EMS, 6%
NCIC, 6%
Patrol, 4%
Dispatch System, 4%

Dispatcher vs. similar jobs

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Dispatcher jobs by location

Updated January 8, 2025

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