Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance
SOC Code: 43-5032Also known as:
Aircraft Dispatcher, Airplane Dispatch Clerk, Auto Service Dispatcher (Automotive Service Dispatcher), Automobile Rental Dispatcher, Bus and Trolley Dispatcher
Median Annual Salary
$48,880
-0.9% growth (2024-2034)
19K
Openings/Year
219K
Current Jobs
What Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance Do
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.
💰 Salary
$48,880
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-0.9%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
19K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
218,700
Projected Employment (2034)
216,700
Related Careers
Public safety telecommunicators
$50,730 •
+3.5% growth
Production, planning, and expediting clerks
$57,770 •
-1.8% growth
Railroad conductors and yardmasters
$74,080 •
+1.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Monitoring
Coordination
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Schedule or dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles to appropriate locations, according to customer requests, specifications, or needs, using radios or telephones.
- Prepare daily work and run schedules.
- Confer with customers or supervising personnel to address questions, problems, or requests for service or equipment.
- Relay work orders, messages, or information to or from work crews, supervisors, or field inspectors, using telephones or two-way radios.
- Receive or prepare work orders.
- Record and maintain files or records of customer requests, work or services performed, charges, expenses, inventory, or other dispatch information.
- Arrange for necessary repairs to restore service and schedules.
- Monitor personnel or equipment locations and utilization to coordinate service and schedules.
- Determine types or amounts of equipment, vehicles, materials, or personnel required, according to work orders or specifications.
- Advise personnel about traffic problems, such as construction areas, accidents, congestion, weather conditions, or other hazards.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance:
Traffic, Customs, and Transportation Clerk/Technician
287 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bellevue University | Bellevue, NE | 199 | C+ |
| 2 | Diversified Vocational College | Los Angeles, CA | 86 | C+ |
| 3 | New Professions Technical Institute | Miami, FL | 2 | C+ |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance make?
The median annual salary for dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance is $48,880.
What education do dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance need?
Most dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Traffic, Customs, and Transportation Clerk/Technician.
Is becoming a dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance a good career choice?
Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance is projected to see -0.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 18,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance?
Top colleges for aspiring dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance include
Bellevue University, Diversified Vocational College, New Professions Technical Institute.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance?
Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance may also be known as: Aircraft Dispatcher, Airplane Dispatch Clerk, Auto Service Dispatcher (Automotive Service Dispatcher), Automobile Rental Dispatcher, Bus and Trolley Dispatcher, Bus Dispatcher, Bus Starter, Cab Starter, Cab Station Attendant, Car Dispatcher, Car Distributor, Car Starter, Car Supplier, Car Tracer, Charter Coordinator, City Dispatcher, Crew Dispatcher, Delivery Dispatcher, Dinkey Dispatcher, Dispatch Clerk.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.