Dispatcher
A dispatcher is a communications professional responsible for receiving and transmitting information, primarily through telephone or radio systems. This role is critical across various industries, including emergency services, transportation, and logistics. Emergency dispatchers, for instance, coordinate communications between the public and first responders during crises, while commercial dispatchers manage the logistics of goods delivery across multiple transport modes like trucking and railways. Working environments range from emergency call centers to corporate offices and transportation hubs.
Most dispatcher positions require only a high school diploma, though additional education in communications or technology can be beneficial, especially for specialized roles. The job demands strong multitasking skills, the ability to work under pressure, and effective interpersonal communication, as dispatchers often handle stressful situations and interact with diverse individuals. With a mean annual wage of approximately $50,834, the occupation is expected to see steady job growth, indicating a stable career path for those interested in problem-solving and organizational roles.
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Subject Terms
Dispatcher
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Business, Management & Administration, Law, Public Safety & Security, Manufacturing, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Interests: Solving problems, organizing information, communicating with others
Earnings (Mean Annual Wages): $50,834 per year $24.44 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 3% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Long-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Dispatchers are communications professionals who receive and transmit information, traditionally via telephone or radio transceiver. Dispatchers are utilized across a variety of industries and organizations. Emergency dispatchers coordinate communications between the public and police, fire, and emergency medical personnel. Commercial dispatchers coordinate the delivery of goods across several areas of transport, including railways and trucking lines. Dispatchers are also utilized by taxi companies, bus companies, airlines, and the military. Public utility companies use dispatchers extensively to coordinate maintenance crews and other staff in the field.
Work Environment. Dispatchers traditionally work out of organizational headquarters and communications hubs. Emergency dispatchers customarily work out of police, fire, and ambulance stations or in offices designated for emergency communication, such as 911 call centers and public safety answering points. Commercial dispatchers normally work in major shipping centers that connect delivery routes across large regions of the country. Communication and public-utility dispatchers coordinate communications from major transportation and logistical hubs, including airports, power stations, train stations, and bus stations.
Occupation Interest. Professional communication dispatchers come from a variety of educational and experiential backgrounds. Dispatchers are multitasking problem solvers who are organized and enthusiastic about interacting with people. They should also be able to display patience and pragmatism in stressful situations and chaotic environments.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Dispatchers are often assigned lengthy shifts that can range anywhere from eight to twenty-four hours in duration. Responsibilities of a dispatcher vary significantly depending on their specific area of employment.
Commercial dispatchers confirm delivery schedules with drivers, customers, and miscellaneous vendors. Their main goal is to synchronize logistics such as transport times, load specifications, and packing instructions to ensure that goods are delivered in an efficient and timely manner.
Similarly, dispatchers employed in the transportation industry communicate with drivers, engineers, and pilots to ensure that buses, trains, and planes complete their journeys in a timely manner, conveying information regarding weather conditions or delays at their intended destination. Dispatchers for taxi and bus companies, as well as those who work in emergency services, must be well-versed in effective transportation routes and the overall geographic layout of the district in which they work.
The most specialized field of dispatching is police, fire, and ambulance dispatch. Emergency dispatchers determine the exact location of callers, confirm the nature and severity of emergencies, and are responsible for relaying that information to the appropriate officials in a quick and efficient manner. Emergency dispatchers must also provide 911 callers with medical and safety advice while emergency personnel are en-route to their location, as well as strategies to get to a safer environment or mitigate further damage.
Motor Vehicle Dispatchers (249.167-014). Motor Vehicle Dispatchers assign motor vehicles and drivers to move freight or passengers within or between cities.
Radio Dispatchers (379.362-010). Radio Dispatchers receive complaints and send messages concerning crimes, police activities, and emergencies. In some locations they coordinate all police, fire, ambulance and other emergency requests, relaying instructions to the radio unit concerned.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Call centers vary in size depending on industry and service. Dispatchers in major urban areas tend to work in large call centers, while those in remote and rural locations may work out of traditional offices. Dispatchers can work in a variety of settings, including transportation hubs, corporate offices, hospitals, campuses, and warehouses.
Human Environment. Dispatching requires deft interpersonal communication skills and the ability to make decisions quickly under pressure. Individuals with an even temperament and a strong desire to help those in need make particularly good candidates for the role.
Technological Environment. Dispatchers use a variety of communication technologies, ranging from telephone, e-mail, and web conferencing to computerized inventory software and global positioning systems.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Most dispatching positions require only a high school diploma or GED certificate. Applicants who have completed secondary course work in the field are often given preference. High school students interested in a career as a dispatcher should take courses in English composition, keyboarding, and basic computer science to prepare for the technical aspects of the role. Immersion in foreign-language study is also advisable.
Postsecondary. Certificate and associate-level educational programs in dispatching are offered nationwide. Those applying for dispatching jobs in the fields of emergency management or major transportation may be required to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as computer science, communications, or information technology. Certificate-level course work in dispatching familiarizes students with basic terminology utilized throughout the profession, such as CB codes and drivers’ slang, as well as the types of transportation technology dispatchers utilize on a day-to-day basis.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
“Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail: Office and Administrative Support Occupations—Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Dept of Labor, 24 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm#Office%20and%20administrative%20support%20occupations. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 43-5031 Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers.” Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Dept of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes435031.htm. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 43-5032 Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance.” Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Dept of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes435032.htm. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.
“Public Safety Telecommunicators.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Dept of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/police-fire-and-ambulance-dispatchers.htm. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.