Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance

Schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles for conveyance of materials, freight, or passengers, or for normal installation, service, or emergency repairs rendered outside the place of business. Duties may include using radio, telephone, or computer to transmit assignments and compiling statistics and reports on work progress.

SOC: 43-5032.00

Common Job Titles

City DispatcherDispatcher (Dispatch)Taxi DispatcherTrain Dispatcher

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeCoordinate work crews, equipment, and service vehicle assignments using computer-aided dispatch systems and real-time communication tools under time-sensitive conditions.
  • KnowledgeAssess transportation routes and scheduling constraints considering traffic conditions, geographic factors, and customer service requirements.
  • MindsetBalance competing service demands and resource limitations when managing multiple concurrent dispatch requests in high-pressure situations.
  • KnowledgeInterpret customer service requests and technical work orders to determine appropriate personnel qualifications and equipment requirements.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze incoming service requests and emergency repair calls to determine priority levels and optimal resource allocation.
  • MindsetEngage with customers, drivers, and field personnel to maintain effective communication channels and resolve scheduling conflicts.
  • KnowledgeMonitor work progress, vehicle locations, and crew status using GPS tracking and mobile data terminal systems to ensure timely service delivery.
  • Hands-onOperate multi-line telephone systems, two-way radios, and dispatch servers to transmit assignments and maintain continuous communication with field units.
  • KnowledgeCompile statistical reports on work assignments, response times, and operational efficiency using database and spreadsheet software to support management decision-making.
  • KnowledgeApply public safety protocols and administrative procedures when dispatching personnel for normal operations and emergency service calls.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

211,000

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$34,600
10% of workers earn the following or more$76,130
Workers on average earn$53,150

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
  • Public Safety and Security4.0/5
  • Administration and Management3.9/5
  • Administrative3.7/5
  • English Language3.5/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Kronos Workforce TimekeeperMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft DynamicsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordSAP software

Technology Skills

Air-Trak CloudberryBornemann Associates Flight PlanCommand Alkon COMMANDconcreteComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided dispatch softwareComputer aided dispatching auto routing softwareDatabase softwareDigital Gateway e-automate

Tools & Equipment

Call management systems CMSCentralized traffic control unitsDesktop computersDispatch serversJob dispatch and vehicle tracking systemsMobile data terminal MDT equipmentMobile radiosMulti-line telephone systems