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Train dispatcher vs chief dispatcher

The differences between train dispatchers and chief 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 train dispatcher and a chief dispatcher. Additionally, a train dispatcher has an average salary of $48,374, which is higher than the $42,300 average annual salary of a chief dispatcher.

The top three skills for a train dispatcher include emergency situations, train movement and FRA. The most important skills for a chief dispatcher are logistics, safety training, and FRA.

Train dispatcher vs chief dispatcher overview

Train DispatcherChief Dispatcher
Yearly salary$48,374$42,300
Hourly rate$23.26$20.34
Growth rate--
Number of jobs5,39017,036
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

Train dispatcher vs chief dispatcher salary

Train dispatchers and chief dispatchers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Train DispatcherChief Dispatcher
Average salary$48,374$42,300
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $89,000Between $25,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between train dispatcher and chief dispatcher education

There are a few differences between a train dispatcher and a chief dispatcher in terms of educational background:

Train DispatcherChief Dispatcher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Train dispatcher vs chief dispatcher demographics

Here are the differences between train dispatchers' and chief dispatchers' demographics:

Train DispatcherChief Dispatcher
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 60.7% Female, 39.3%Male, 75.0% Female, 25.0%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage7%7%

Differences between train dispatcher and chief dispatcher duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Chief dispatcher example responsibilities.

  • Manage and organize project teams internally during implementation of new CMTS system.
  • Dispatch drivers in delivering and picking up ltl freight to and from local customers.
  • Organize and maintain records pertinent to FCC and FRA regulations, crew attendance, job assignments and vacations.
  • Answer inbound shipper calls, assigning the LTL pickups and deliveries base on available man hours and freight volume.
  • Direct inbound and outbound logistics operations, such as transportation and warehouse activities, safety performance, and logistics quality management.
  • Coordinate guest limousine reservation requests with casino hosts and VIP personnel.

Train dispatcher vs chief dispatcher skills

Common train dispatcher skills
  • Emergency Situations, 15%
  • Train Movement, 12%
  • FRA, 9%
  • Emergency Calls, 9%
  • Federal Safety Rules, 5%
  • Traffic Signals, 5%
Common chief dispatcher skills
  • Logistics, 19%
  • Safety Training, 16%
  • FRA, 7%
  • Vehicle Operation, 6%
  • Hazardous Materials, 6%
  • Combat, 5%

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