What does a Dispatcher do?

A dispatcher is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls from people in potential danger. They manage calls and ensure that the proper response team is in place to take care of the caller. A few of the main duties of a dispatcher are inputting data into a system, remaining calm for the caller, and receiving calls. They also must ensure that the caller's information remains confidential. Some of the jobs titles that a dispatcher could grow into is police chief or police officer.

A dispatcher does not necessarily need work experience but they need a high school diploma or GED equivalent. One of the most important skills that a dispatcher will have is their ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Another skill is project management as the dispatcher will need handle multiple calls an hour. They also need to be able to come up with a solution to the caller's problem quickly.

What responsibilities are common for Dispatcher jobs?
  • Take emergency and non-emergency calls
  • Remain calm for the caller on the line
  • Come up with a solution for the problem
  • Ensure that all notes are being taken properly
  • Effectively communicate with the caller and dispatch team
  • Track emergency vehicles to ensure a timely response
  • Learn how to use the basic computer and headset equipment
  • Ensure that the caller was taken care of by communicating with the vehicle
What are the typical qualifications for Dispatcher jobs?
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent
  • Ability to follow procedures and regulations
  • Ability to remain calm in a stressful situation
  • Fluent in English
  • Incredible multitasking abilities
  • Great communication skills
  • Ability to rapidly input information into a data entry system
  • Great customer service skills
  • Ability to schedule and follow through with callers
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.0 ★
Salary Range--
Career Opportunity
3.1 ★
Avg. Experience0-1 Year

Dispatcher Salaries near Canada

Average Base Pay

$52,343 /yr
Not including cash compensation
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Glassdoor Estimated Salary

Dispatcher Insights

Read what Dispatcher professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Staker & Parson CompaniesStaker & Parson Companies
Dispatcher
Aug 19, 2022

“Pay is not the best and they want you do do several different jobs for same pay”

Joe's GlassJoe's Glass
Dispatcher
Sept 18, 2021

“•Staff was all great to work with and if any issues we could sort it out with out incident”

Budinger & AssociatesBudinger & Associates
Dispatcher
Mar 9, 2023

“Everyone is really helpful and I am sorry I have to move the only reason I am leaving.”

Premier TransportationPremier Transportation
Dispatcher
Aug 2, 2021

“I was able to meet some really nice people and it was close to my home.”

US Cargo LinkUS Cargo Link
Dispatcher
Oct 12, 2021

“If you want learn how SCM works I think this is a great place and people to work with.”

Trans International TruckingTrans International Trucking
Dispatcher
Jan 27, 2022

“I have had the opportunities to grow and advance in both my position and income.”

Valparaiso UniversityValparaiso University
Dispatcher
Jul 22, 2021

“The University quit paying into our retirement and they increased what we have to pay into insurance.”

Silk Way West Airlines
Flight Dispatcher
Jul 11, 2021

“Silk Way West offers way below than common minimum wage standards which is quite disappointment.”

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