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The differences between dispatchers and truck 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 and a truck dispatcher. Additionally, a truck dispatcher has an average salary of $35,756, 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 truck dispatcher are truck loads, safety regulations, and customer service.
| Dispatcher | Truck Dispatcher | |
| Yearly salary | $35,328 | $35,756 |
| Hourly rate | $16.98 | $17.19 |
| Growth rate | 4% | - |
| Number of jobs | 5,818 | 61,928 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.25 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 33% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 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.
A truck dispatcher is tasked with scheduling deliveries, passenger transport, or shipments that are conducted by truck; they work hand in hand with truck drivers. They maintain communication with customers record shipment details, ensure pick-up times, and discuss any other issues. A track dispatcher is also responsible for tracking delivery trucks to ensure that goods arrive on time and undamaged. They may also be in charge of setting up routes.
Dispatchers and truck dispatchers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Dispatcher | Truck Dispatcher | |
| Average salary | $35,328 | $35,756 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $44,000 | Between $24,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Livermore, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Mt. San Antonio College | Marathon Petroleum |
| Best paying industry | Government | Energy |
There are a few differences between a dispatcher and a truck dispatcher in terms of educational background:
| Dispatcher | Truck Dispatcher | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 33% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between dispatchers' and truck dispatchers' demographics:
| Dispatcher | Truck Dispatcher | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9% | Male, 57.3% Female, 42.7% |
| 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, 10.3% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 3.8% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |