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Dispatcher

Quick Facts

Median Salary$48,420
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+14.02%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Dispatcher answers emergency calls and relays information from callers to the appropriate police, fire or ambulance staff. Speaks calmly with callers to get the information needed for emergency personnel. Keeps detailed records of calls and responses.


Core Tasks:

  • 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.
  • Relay work orders, messages, or information to or from work crews, supervisors, or field inspectors, using telephones or two-way radios.
  • Confer with customers or supervising personnel to address questions, problems, or requests for service or equipment.
  • Receive or prepare work orders.
  • Arrange for necessary repairs to restore service and schedules.
  • Record and maintain files or records of customer requests, work or services performed, charges, expenses, inventory, or other dispatch information.
  • 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.

What to expect as a Dispatcher

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

50% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Dispatcher related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

7043 openings for Dispatchers

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Dispatcher. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.