Radio dispatcher vs communications dispatcher

The differences between radio dispatchers and communications dispatchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a radio dispatcher has an average salary of $35,529, which is higher than the $35,153 average annual salary of a communications dispatcher.

The top three skills for a radio dispatcher include computer aided dispatch, patrol and emergency situations. The most important skills for a communications dispatcher are computer aided dispatch, CAD, and emergency situations.

Radio dispatcher vs communications dispatcher overview

	Radio Dispatcher	Communications Dispatcher
Yearly salary	$35,529	$35,153
Hourly rate	$17.08	$16.90
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	6,830	19,172
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	-	-

Radio dispatcher vs communications dispatcher salary

Radio dispatchers and communications dispatchers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Radio Dispatcher	Communications Dispatcher
Average salary	$35,529	$35,153
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $46,000	Between $26,000 And $47,000
Highest paying City	-	Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	City of Richmond
Best paying industry	-	Government

Differences between radio dispatcher and communications dispatcher education

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

	Radio Dispatcher	Communications Dispatcher
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Radio dispatcher vs communications dispatcher demographics

Here are the differences between radio dispatchers' and communications dispatchers' demographics:

	Radio Dispatcher	Communications Dispatcher
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 44.5% Female, 55.5%	Male, 29.6% Female, 70.4%
Race ratio	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%	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	17%	17%

Differences between radio dispatcher and communications dispatcher duties and responsibilities

Radio dispatcher example responsibilities.

Manage customer service satisfaction by providing update eta and location of drivers.
Enter, clear and update records NCIC system.
Dispatch and coordinate response of private arm patrol by radio.
Perform booking procedures which consist of fingerprinting, checking NCIC computer for further charges or warrants.
Discuss cable television equipment operation with customers over telephone to explain equipment usage and to troubleshoot equipment problems.
Certify by APCO as a nationally recognize emergency dispatcher.

Communications dispatcher example responsibilities.

Manage Facebook page and create event page for grand opening.
Provide first aid, CPR and emergency oxygen as required.
Provide telephone service on the TDD communication device for the deaf and hearing impair.
Respond verbally and used TDD (text telephone device for hearing or speech impair) to communicate with callers when need.
Maintain composure and compassion while handling emergency and non-emergency calls from a diverse community
Coordinate the response of ambulances and public safety units to emergency sites or in-progress crime situations.

Radio dispatcher vs communications dispatcher skills

Common radio dispatcher skills

Computer Aided Dispatch, 17%
Patrol, 12%
Emergency Situations, 10%
CAD, 9%
Telephone Calls, 8%
Non-Emergency Calls, 8%

Common communications dispatcher skills

Computer Aided Dispatch, 12%
CAD, 8%
Emergency Situations, 5%
CPR, 5%
Dispatch System, 5%
Good Judgment, 5%

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Radio Dispatcher
Radio Dispatcher vs Communications Dispatcher

Updated January 8, 2025

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