Rail operations controller vs train dispatcher

The differences between rail operations controllers and train 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 rail operations controller and a train dispatcher. Additionally, a train dispatcher has an average salary of $48,374, which is higher than the $34,907 average annual salary of a rail operations controller.

The top three skills for a rail operations controller include direct supervision, customer service and . The most important skills for a train dispatcher are emergency situations, train movement, and FRA.

Rail operations controller vs train dispatcher overview

	Rail Operations Controller	Train Dispatcher
Yearly salary	$34,907	$48,374
Hourly rate	$16.78	$23.26
Growth rate	4%	-
Number of jobs	73,688	5,390
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

Rail operations controller vs train dispatcher salary

Rail operations controllers and train dispatchers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Rail Operations Controller	Train Dispatcher
Average salary	$34,907	$48,374
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $52,000	Between $26,000 And $89,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between rail operations controller and train dispatcher education

There are a few differences between a rail operations controller and a train dispatcher in terms of educational background:

	Rail Operations Controller	Train Dispatcher
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Rail operations controller vs train dispatcher demographics

Here are the differences between rail operations controllers' and train dispatchers' demographics:

	Rail Operations Controller	Train Dispatcher
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2%	Male, 60.7% Female, 39.3%
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%

Differences between rail operations controller and train dispatcher duties and responsibilities

Rail operations controller example responsibilities.

Manage SharePoint database and spreadsheet for coverage opinion bills.
Reconcile and analyze a multitude of reports in updating revenue-reporting process within Salesforce in order to implement an accurate billing process.
Help support project development by creating documents, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and informational packets about Wisconsin educational opportunities.

Train dispatcher example responsibilities.

Manage and organize project teams internally during implementation of new CMTS system.
Call and assign train crews (i.e., engineers, conductors and brakeman) for rail yard and over-the-road train operations.
Train HAZMAT awareness and CPR.
Devolve and implement course outline and syllabus.
Request advanced technical and specialize training through command and DoD agencies.
Participate actively on company's first response team and receive training in safety awareness, first response, and CPR.

Rail operations controller vs train dispatcher skills

Common rail operations controller skills

Direct Supervision, 59%
Customer Service, 41%

Common train dispatcher skills

Emergency Situations, 15%
Train Movement, 12%
FRA, 9%
Emergency Calls, 9%
Federal Safety Rules, 5%
Traffic Signals, 5%

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Rail Operations Controller
Rail Operations Controller vs Train Dispatcher

Updated January 8, 2025

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