How to hire a flight dispatcher

How to hire a flight dispatcher, step by step

Here's a step-by-step flight dispatcher hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a flight dispatcher job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new flight dispatcher
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The flight dispatcher hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A flight dispatcher's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, flight dispatchers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of flight dispatchers.

   Type of Flight Dispatcher	Description	Hourly rate
   Flight Dispatcher	Flight attendants provide routine services and respond to emergencies to ensure the safety and comfort of airline passengers.	$12-33
   Flight Attendant	A flight attendant is known as a steward or stewardess, an air host or hostess, and works majority in airlines, some in private business jets, or a few other aircraft. Also commonly referred to as a cabin crew, flight attendants act as an ambassador between the airline they work with and the passengers by primarily taking charge of their safety and comfort during the entire flight... Show more	$12-20
   Dispatcher	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... Show more	$12-21

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • FAA
   • Crew Scheduling
   • Air Traffic Control
   • NOTAMs
   • Federal Regulations
   • Governmental Regulations
   • Aircraft Performance
   • Maintenance Control
   • Federal Aviation
   • Ground Transportation
   • FOS
   • International Flights
   • Aircraft Weight
   • Operational Control

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Schedule flight crews for assignments, mange corporate aircraft fleet, manage charter customer base, manage record keeping for FAA requirements
   • Originate and disseminate flight information to others in the company including stations and reservations.
   • Assist physically challenge passengers as appropriate; provide life-saving assistance to ill or incapacitate passengers, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation if require.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your flight dispatcher job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A flight dispatcher can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, flight dispatchers' average salary in montana is 45% less than in pennsylvania.
   • Seniority. Entry-level flight dispatchers 64% less than senior-level flight dispatchers.
   • Certifications. A flight dispatcher with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a flight dispatcher's salary.

   Average flight dispatcher salary

   $41,736yearly

   $20.07 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level flight dispatcher salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a flight dispatcher job description

   A flight dispatcher job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a flight dispatcher job description:

   Flight dispatcher job description example

   At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. From the seabed to outer space, you can contribute to work that matters with a company where diversity, equity and inclusion are shared values. We're committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that's welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.
   
   Flight Dispatch is a 24 x 7 x 365 operation and this position is expected to perform shift work. During training and following your competency checks, you must be willing and able to work any of the following shifts: mornings, afternoons, and overnight. All shift times (including for remote assignments) are scheduled in Mountain Time. You may be scheduled over weekends and holidays. Additional shifts may be assigned based on operational need or to cover absences.
   
   **This position allows telecommuting. The selected candidate will be required to perform some work onsite at one of the listed location options: Englewood, CO**
   **Shift Preparation**
   
   + Review outgoing shift turnover reports and receive dispatch briefing(s).
   
   + Review and familiarize with current weather and trends, NOTAMs, enroute hazards, and other safety of flight information.
   
   + Familiarize with new policies and procedures and any manual updates.
   
   **Flight Planning and Following**
   
   + Monitor dispatch dashboard for new trip / mission requests from our customers and if requested provide an itinerary and draft flight plan back to the customer.
   
   + Trips may involve multiple legs, multiple airports and ensuring appropriate performance and weight and balance issues are addressed with the customer.
   
   + Review aircraft maintenance status and determine if the aircraft can be dispatched.
   
   + Review all available reports and published information to develop a safe and legal flight plan in accordance with customer specifications, FAA regulations, and international rules and regulations.
   
   + Monitor and record out, off, on, in times for your various assigned flights.
   
   + Commercial customers and military customers may have different types of flight planning to maintain familiarity and competency with.
   
   + Provide flight following to airborne flights and transmit to the crews any information which may affect the safety of flight. Remain aware of where your assigned flights are located and their status.
   
   + File flight plan with all required ATC addresses and ensure flight plan is acknowledged.
   
   + Monitor weather and conditions for all airports listed on the flight plan and communicate any required changes to the flight crews.
   
   **General Duties and Responsibilities**
   
   + Gather information on current weather conditions, planned flight routes, hazardous conditions and other flight information related to safety of flight; uses gathered information to delivery a briefing to the flight crew.
   
   + Acquire, distribute, and interpret a wide variety of publications (navigation charts, flight manuals and other safety publications) required to ensure safe flight and to comply with applicable regulations.
   
   + Remain knowledgeable of company and customer policies and procedures, operations specifications, irregular operations procedures, aircraft performance and limitations, and related regulations.
   
   + Maintain annual currency with Boeing SMS training.
   
   + Complete recurrent dispatcher training.
   
   + Perform other duties as assigned or required.
   
   + If requested, Dispatch will obtain diplomatic clearances on behalf of the customer.
   
   + Maintain knowledge of sanctioned countries and sanctioned entities, and know how to react, report, and document any requests that fall within this realm.
   
   **Recordkeeping**
   
   + Maintain timely and accurate time tracking tickets to allow for the billing of customers for dispatch services.
   
   + Maintain records of any irregularities or incidents to submit for review by the safety team.
   
   + Check other dispatcher's work before it is sent out (if time permits). Document any findings in quality control checks.
   
   + Assist management with billing tasks (if requested and trained to do so).
   
   **Internal Coordination**
   
   + Coordinates with other internal Boeing organizations, as required for matters pertaining to permits, technical help, troubleshooting, etc.
   
   + Remain on duty until each airplane dispatched by him or her has completed its flight, or until relieved by another licensed Dispatcher
   
   + Attend frequent department meetings (bi-monthly or monthly). Attend other company meetings if required.
   
   + Assist management with customer visits and operations control center tours.
   
   **Irregular Operations**
   
   + Assist the flight crews with airborne emergencies and/or diversion assistance.
   
   + Reports all incidents and safety matters as part of Boeing's SMS.
   
   + In an emergency, initiate documented procedures and notification chain.
   
   + Acts as a primary point of contact for emergency situations.
   
   **This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.**
   
   **Basic Qualifications (Required Skills and Experience):**
   
   + A valid FAA Aircraft Dispatch Certificate is required to be considered for this position.
   
   + 6-12 months of prior dispatch experience.
   
   **Preferred Qualifications/Desired Skills:**
   
   + 2-5 years of prior flight dispatch experience.
   
   **Typical Education/Experience**
   
   + Education/experience typically acquired through advanced education (e.g. Bachelor) and typically 3 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
   
   + (e.g. Master+1 years' related work experience, 7 years' related work experience, etc.).
   
   **Relocation:** This position is located in a location that does not offer relocation. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.
   
   **Drug Free Workplace:** Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
   
   At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.
   
   Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
   
   The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
   
   The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
   
   Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
   
   Colorado summary pay range: Min: $54,000 - Max: $95,000
   
   **Equal Opportunity Employer:**
   
   Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
   
   Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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5. Post your job

   To find the right flight dispatcher for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with flight dispatchers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit flight dispatchers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your flight dispatcher job on Zippia to find and recruit flight dispatcher candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with flight dispatcher candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new flight dispatcher

   Once you've decided on a perfect flight dispatcher candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new flight dispatcher. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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