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What is a security dispatcher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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Security dispatchers are involved in the administration and management of the activities of security guards to ensure proper dispensation of their security duties. The major assignment for you to carry out in this job is communication, which may also include decoding and responding to information. You are also required to schedule security crews to the appropriate location to suit the client's needs. The security dispatcher monitors the crew's movement using GPS tracking and other software tools to ensure they are carrying out their duties without any challenges. You may also be responsible for training new guards on how best to use the company's tools and give guards details on special patrols.

To work as a security dispatcher, you need good communication and listening skills. Accuracy and efficient time management skills with a good knowledge of computer system operations may also be necessary. A high school diploma or Bachelor's degree in any related course is a basic requirement for this role. Plus, years of experience may also be considered. The average annual salary for this role about $47,532.

ScoreSecurity DispatcherUS Average
Salary
2.6

Avg. Salary $33,347

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.4

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.91%

Asian 3.85%

Black or African American 10.27%

Hispanic or Latino 17.51%

Unknown 5.06%

White 62.40%

Gender

female 56.95%

male 43.05%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
8.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.2

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Security dispatcher career paths

Key steps to become a security dispatcher

  1. Explore security dispatcher education requirements

    Most common security dispatcher degrees

    High School Diploma

    33.0 %

    Bachelor's

    28.5 %

    Associate

    24.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific security dispatcher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service15.02%
    Patients8.22%
    Patrol7.99%
    Computer Aided Dispatch6.85%
    Emergency Situations5.24%
  3. Complete relevant security dispatcher training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New security dispatchers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a security dispatcher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real security dispatcher resumes.
  4. Obtain the necessary licensing

    Becoming a licensed security dispatcher usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you don't need to pass an exam to become a licensed security dispatcher in most of states. 30 states require security dispatchers to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.
    StateEducationExamLicense url
    Alabama--Licensed Personal Security Officer
    Maryland--GUARDS
    AlaskaSpecific course required-Security Guard
    ArkansasSpecific course requiredState exam requiredPrivate Security Officer (PSO)
    CaliforniaSpecific course requiredState exam requiredSecurity Guard Registration
  5. Research security dispatcher duties and responsibilities

    • Manage customer service satisfaction by providing update eta and location of drivers.
    • Train to use CPR and AEDs.
    • Train in the use of TDD for communicating with the hearing impair community.
    • Operate computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, TDD systems etc.
  6. Prepare your security dispatcher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your security dispatcher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a security dispatcher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable security dispatcher resume templates

    Build a professional security dispatcher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your security dispatcher resume.
    Security Dispatcher Resume
    Security Dispatcher Resume
    Security Dispatcher Resume
    Security Dispatcher Resume
    Security Dispatcher Resume
    Security Dispatcher Resume
    Security Dispatcher Resume
    Security Dispatcher Resume
    Security Dispatcher Resume
  7. Apply for security dispatcher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a security dispatcher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first security dispatcher job

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Average security dispatcher salary

The average security dispatcher salary in the United States is $33,347 per year or $16 per hour. Security dispatcher salaries range between $26,000 and $41,000 per year.

Average security dispatcher salary
$33,347 Yearly
$16.03 hourly

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How do security dispatchers rate their job?

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Security dispatcher reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2022
Pros

Working from home makes life much easier to manage.

Cons

Pay is not a liveable wage.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2022
Pros

Meeting a lot of different people have helped people in this job

Cons

The pay is not worth what you have to do sometimes


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2021
Pros

Protecting people and the property where I’m sign at.

Cons

There’s nothing about the officer that I don’t like


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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