How to hire a train dispatcher

How to hire a train dispatcher, step by step

Here's a step-by-step train 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 train dispatcher job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new train dispatcher
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the train dispatcher you need to hire. Certain train dispatcher roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a train dispatcher to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a train dispatcher that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of train dispatcher salaries for various roles:

   Type of Train Dispatcher	Description	Hourly rate
   Train Dispatcher		$12-42
   Yardmaster/Customer Service/Crew Dispatching	A yardmaster/customer service/crew dispatching officer functions differently depending on their industry or place of employment. Most of their responsibilities revolve around dealing with providing customer support and services, responding to inquiries and correspondence, addressing issues and concerns, providing corrective measures, and producing progress reports... Show more	$12-18
   Dispatch Coordinator	A dispatch coordinator is primarily in charge of dispatching and tracking vehicles that provide different services. The extent of their duties varies upon their industry or institution of employment... Show more	$14-22

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Emergency Situations
   • Train Movement
   • FRA
   • Emergency Calls
   • Federal Safety Rules
   • Traffic Signals
   • Hazardous Materials
   • Track Usage
   • Physical Characteristics
   • Computer Aided Dispatch
   • Train Operations
   • Train Schedules
   • EMS
   • CAD

   Check all skills

   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.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your train dispatcher job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A train dispatcher salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, train dispatchers' average salary in maine is 40% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level train dispatchers earn 71% less than senior-level train dispatchers.
   • Certifications. A train dispatcher with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a train dispatcher's salary.

   Average train dispatcher salary

   $48,374yearly

   $23.26 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level train dispatcher salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 20, 2025

4. Writing a train dispatcher job description

   A job description for a train dispatcher role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a train dispatcher job description:

   Train dispatcher job description example

   Direct and coordinate the safe movement of railroad traffic on a specified territory from a central and/or regional location.
   Primary Activities and Responsibilities
   
   * Ensure compliance with all railroad rules, procedures, and regulations for safety, operations and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
   * Direct and coordinate railroad traffic, issue permits and authorities, monitor all rail movements and computerized records of all activities
   * Know assigned territory and keep informed of changes in the physical characteristics
   * Maintain familiarity with scheduled trains, destinations, times of arrivals and departures
   * Communicate with personnel on weather or any environmental conditions affecting train movement
   * Coordinate movement of trains according to operating plan and customer needs
   * Monitor train and track movements
   * Remotely control track switches and traffic signals and apply and remove blocking devices
   * Report alleged violations of operating rules and any irregularity relating to the movement of trains
   * Plan in advance for smooth and effective movement of priority trains, trains containing hazardous material or restricted shipments, and meets/passes to avoid unnecessary delays
   * Coordinate track usage with Engineering Department personnel
   * Miscellaneous activities and responsibilities as assigned by manager
   
   Pay Rate
   
   * Phase I (classroom):
   * South End - 60% of full pay rate/day
   * East End - 75% of full pay rate/day
   * Phase II (OJT):
   * South End - 65% of full pay rate/day
   * East End - 80% of full pay rate/day
   * Full Rate:
   * South End - $393.62/day
   * East End - $368.90/day
   * Contingent to ATDA Rate Progression
   
   Training
   
   * If selected as a Train Dispatcher, classroom and OJT training will be provided in Jacksonville, Florida
   * Position is located in Jacksonville, FL
   * Relocation assistance will not be provided
   
   Minimum Qualifications
   
   * High School Diploma/GED
   * 18 years of age or older
   * Valid Driver's License
   * Ability to type 25 average net words per minute
   * Computer literate using both mainframe and mid-tier computer applications
   
   Preferred Qualifications
   
   * Bachelor's Degree
   * Experience with specialized computer dispatching equipment
   * Experience as an air traffic controller, radio/tower operator
   
   Physical Requirements
   
   * Sedentary - No lifting over 10 pounds
   * Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity and ability to recognize colors
   
   Basic Competencies
   
   * Verbal comprehension (Understand oral and written communications)
   * Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions)
   * Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills)
   * Ability to communicate clearly by radio, intercom and telephone
   * Ability to analyze and prioritize multiple tasks
   * Basic Math
   
   Job Requirements
   
   * Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
   * Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work
   * Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations
   * Must pass a post-offer medical examination, including a drug test
   * Must be able to safely report to work within two hours of being notified to report in
   * Work in a fast-pace environment
   * This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and membership is required

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find train dispatchers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with train 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.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to 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 train dispatcher

   Once you've selected the best train dispatcher candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the 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.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new train dispatcher. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

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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