Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
Dispatchers coordinate the movement of workers, vehicles, equipment, and freight by assigning jobs and tracking locations using radio, phone, and computer systems. They work in control centers for transportation companies, utility services, delivery operations, and other businesses that need to manage mobile workforces or equipment across service areas.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A dispatcher's week involves receiving service requests, assigning them to available workers or vehicles, tracking progress through radio and computer systems, and rerouting resources when priorities shift. Tasks include entering data into dispatch software, communicating with drivers or technicians in the field, managing schedules, and solving logistical problems when equipment breaks down or staff calls out. Shifts may include early mornings, evenings, or overnight hours depending on when services operate.
Who this work suits
Holland code CRE. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you prefer clear rules and systematic processes, and if you enjoy practical problem-solving with tangible results. You tend to be detail-oriented, comfortable with technology and multi-tasking, and able to stay calm under pressure when managing competing demands.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Public Safety Dispatcher · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Wainwright, Alaska · $46060–$74173
- Automotive Equipment Dispatcher · Forest Service · Multiple Locations · $19.52–$19.52
- Forestry Technician (Dispatcher) · Forest Service · Location Negotiable After Selection · $29.98–$29.98
- Automotive Equipment Dispatcher · Forest Service · Location Negotiable After Selection · $19.52–$19.52
- Public Safety Dispatcher · National Park Service · Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado · $40736–$59031
- Motor Vehicle Dispatcher · Defense Logistics Agency · Red River Army Depot, Texas · $40736–$52957
- Security Assistant (Dispatcher) · Veterans Health Administration · Marion, Indiana · $41115–$53450
- Security Assistant -911 Emergency Dispatcher · Veterans Health Administration · Fayetteville, Arkansas · $40736–$52957
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $47,980 | $72,260 | $87,090 | 300 |
| Washington | $49,920 | $59,330 | $72,240 | 4,920 |
| Minnesota | $46,960 | $59,220 | $72,210 | 2,760 |
| North Dakota | $46,800 | $57,580 | $68,640 | 600 |
| Illinois | $46,750 | $57,240 | $71,410 | — |
| Delaware | $47,840 | $57,170 | $62,990 | 670 |
| Alaska | $49,340 | $56,730 | $73,880 | 570 |
| Vermont | $46,200 | $56,360 | $61,940 | 260 |
| New York | $44,410 | $55,810 | $74,840 | 11,160 |
| Massachusetts | $47,570 | $55,690 | $67,100 | 3,510 |
| Maine | $46,620 | $55,150 | $67,600 | 670 |
| Oregon | $46,980 | $54,980 | $65,510 | 3,290 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) — Federal Aviation Administration
- Professional Dispatching and Scheduling — Community Transportation Association of America
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-5032.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.