Dispatcher salary
BLS occupation: Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance · Office and administrative support · data for May 2025
Median salary $50,340 a year, US
Median hourly pay $24.20 an hour
Middle half earn $42,750–$62,450 25th to 75th percentile
Dispatchers employed 202,810 −0.7% projected by 2035
How much does a dispatcher make?
- The median dispatcher salary in the US is $50,340 a year ($24.20 an hour): half of the 202,810 dispatchers BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $54,740.
- The middle half earn between $42,750 and $62,450. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $36,030 and the top 10% more than $78,140.
- That is about the same as the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays dispatchers the most (median $72,260), followed by Washington ($59,330) and Minnesota ($59,220). South Dakota pays the least ($43,920).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia, where the median is worth $65,750 in typical US prices, then North Dakota and Minnesota.
- In 65 of the 372 metro areas with data, the median dispatcher salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of dispatchers to shrink 0.7% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 16,000 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what dispatchers are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Dispatcher salary range
Half of dispatchers earn between $42,750 and $62,450 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $36,030
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $42,750
Median Yearly pay: $50,340
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $62,450
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $78,140
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $36,030 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $42,750 |
| Median | $50,340 |
| Top 25% earn over | $62,450 |
| Top 10% earn over | $78,140 |
Dispatcher salary by state
The District of Columbia pays dispatchers the most; South Dakota the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($50,340), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $72,260 median |
| Washington | $59,330 median |
| Minnesota | $59,220 median |
| North Dakota | $57,580 median |
| Illinois | $57,240 median |
| Delaware | $57,170 median |
| Alaska | $56,730 median |
| Vermont | $56,360 median |
| New York | $55,810 median |
| Massachusetts | $55,690 median |
| Maine | $55,150 median |
| Oregon | $54,980 median |
| New Jersey | $54,590 median |
| Colorado | $54,070 median |
| Nebraska | $53,880 median |
| New Hampshire | $52,770 median |
| Hawaii | $52,570 median |
| California | $52,350 median |
| Wisconsin | $52,350 median |
| Missouri | $51,410 median |
| Maryland | $51,350 median |
| Utah | $51,010 median |
| Virginia | $50,710 median |
| Ohio | $50,320 median |
| Indiana | $50,060 median |
| Kentucky | $49,990 median |
| Pennsylvania | $49,960 median |
| Idaho | $49,660 median |
| Tennessee | $49,660 median |
| Michigan | $49,490 median |
| Rhode Island | $49,320 median |
| Georgia | $49,180 median |
| Alabama | $48,790 median |
| Wyoming | $48,690 median |
| North Carolina | $48,230 median |
| Connecticut | $47,960 median |
| Nevada | $47,920 median |
| Arizona | $47,880 median |
| South Carolina | $47,550 median |
| Texas | $47,320 median |
| Kansas | $47,170 median |
| Montana | $47,140 median |
| Arkansas | $47,130 median |
| Louisiana | $47,050 median |
| Iowa | $47,000 median |
| West Virginia | $46,620 median |
| Florida | $45,880 median |
| Mississippi | $45,660 median |
| Oklahoma | $44,950 median |
| New Mexico | $43,960 median |
| South Dakota | $43,920 median |
Where dispatcher pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Dispatchers' pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $65,750 |
| North Dakota | $64,726 |
| Minnesota | $60,048 |
| Nebraska | $59,798 |
| Vermont | $57,535 |
| Delaware | $57,280 |
| Illinois | $57,264 |
| Maine | $56,826 |
| Missouri | $56,608 |
| Wisconsin | $55,635 |
Dispatcher pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $72,260 | $34.74 | $45,000 | $99,870 | 300 | $65,750 |
| Washington | $59,330 | $28.52 | $44,050 | $88,000 | 4,920 | $55,442 |
| Minnesota | $59,220 | $28.47 | $39,420 | $82,360 | 2,760 | $60,048 |
| North Dakota | $57,580 | $27.68 | $38,560 | $82,030 | 600 | $64,726 |
| Illinois | $57,240 | $27.52 | $37,380 | $83,600 | – | $57,264 |
| Delaware | $57,170 | $27.49 | $37,710 | $68,640 | 670 | $57,280 |
| Alaska | $56,730 | $27.27 | $39,530 | $96,920 | 570 | $55,423 |
| Vermont | $56,360 | $27.10 | $40,430 | $73,780 | 260 | $57,535 |
| New York | $55,810 | $26.83 | $36,720 | $105,780 | 11,160 | $51,714 |
| Massachusetts | $55,690 | $26.77 | $42,460 | $84,150 | 3,510 | $52,658 |
| Maine | $55,150 | $26.51 | $39,530 | $81,700 | 670 | $56,826 |
| Oregon | $54,980 | $26.43 | $40,630 | $77,470 | 3,290 | $53,192 |
| New Jersey | $54,590 | $26.25 | $39,730 | $79,890 | 6,420 | $50,172 |
| Colorado | $54,070 | $26.00 | $40,430 | $79,420 | 3,470 | $52,469 |
| Nebraska | $53,880 | $25.90 | $38,790 | $95,260 | 1,500 | $59,798 |
| New Hampshire | $52,770 | $25.37 | $37,440 | $74,280 | 710 | $50,660 |
| Hawaii | $52,570 | $25.27 | $37,760 | $88,250 | 950 | $47,812 |
| California | $52,350 | $25.17 | $39,520 | $81,070 | 23,970 | $47,281 |
| Wisconsin | $52,350 | $25.17 | $36,090 | $75,910 | 3,240 | $55,635 |
| Missouri | $51,410 | $24.72 | $36,720 | $101,750 | 4,340 | $56,608 |
| Maryland | $51,350 | $24.69 | $36,740 | $80,320 | 3,310 | $48,924 |
| Utah | $51,010 | $24.52 | $36,550 | $74,870 | 2,040 | $51,596 |
| Virginia | $50,710 | $24.38 | $38,370 | $71,910 | 5,830 | $50,156 |
| Ohio | $50,320 | $24.19 | $35,540 | $76,430 | 5,720 | $54,239 |
| Indiana | $50,060 | $24.07 | $35,740 | $74,960 | 4,090 | $53,638 |
| Kentucky | $49,990 | $24.03 | $34,880 | $77,330 | 2,440 | $55,446 |
| Pennsylvania | $49,960 | $24.02 | $36,090 | $76,180 | 6,670 | $51,203 |
| Idaho | $49,660 | $23.88 | $30,630 | $78,630 | 1,430 | $52,003 |
| Tennessee | $49,660 | $23.88 | $34,850 | $69,420 | 4,190 | $54,055 |
| Michigan | $49,490 | $23.79 | $34,880 | $80,650 | 5,390 | $51,436 |
| Rhode Island | $49,320 | $23.71 | $37,070 | $83,390 | 530 | $48,221 |
| Georgia | $49,180 | $23.64 | $32,770 | $74,700 | 6,190 | $51,073 |
| Alabama | $48,790 | $23.46 | $34,490 | $72,740 | 1,780 | $54,929 |
| Wyoming | $48,690 | $23.41 | $32,130 | $82,330 | 240 | $52,529 |
| North Carolina | $48,230 | $23.19 | $35,930 | $71,010 | 5,740 | $51,131 |
| Connecticut | $47,960 | $23.06 | $41,600 | $80,370 | 2,220 | $46,289 |
| Nevada | $47,920 | $23.04 | $34,860 | $77,600 | 2,840 | $47,930 |
| Arizona | $47,880 | $23.02 | $37,450 | $68,900 | 5,690 | $47,558 |
| South Carolina | $47,550 | $22.86 | $32,110 | $74,070 | 2,440 | $50,721 |
| Texas | $47,320 | $22.75 | $32,130 | $74,760 | 23,920 | $48,755 |
| Kansas | $47,170 | $22.68 | $32,400 | $72,480 | 1,670 | $52,372 |
| Montana | $47,140 | $22.66 | $36,230 | $67,440 | 810 | $49,807 |
| Arkansas | $47,130 | $22.66 | $30,020 | $65,160 | 1,780 | $54,212 |
| Louisiana | $47,050 | $22.62 | $32,350 | $73,820 | 2,980 | $53,340 |
| Iowa | $47,000 | $22.60 | $36,960 | $75,280 | 1,460 | $53,554 |
| West Virginia | $46,620 | $22.41 | $28,600 | $71,970 | 880 | $52,091 |
| Florida | $45,880 | $22.06 | $35,350 | $69,490 | 12,550 | $44,365 |
| Mississippi | $45,660 | $21.95 | $28,620 | $71,930 | 2,000 | $52,511 |
| Oklahoma | $44,950 | $21.61 | $31,170 | $71,760 | 2,180 | $51,171 |
| New Mexico | $43,960 | $21.13 | $31,740 | $70,720 | 1,350 | $47,673 |
| South Dakota | $43,920 | $21.12 | $30,510 | $55,900 | 860 | $49,579 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Dispatcher salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes dispatcher pay: 376 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Bremerton, WA $64,890
- Fairbanks, AK $62,130
- Fargo, ND $61,260
- Barnstable, MA $60,890
- San Jose, CA $60,780
- Minneapolis, MN $59,560
- Duluth, MN $59,510
- Lebanon, PA $59,390
- Seattle, WA $59,340
- Lewiston, ME $59,160
Where the pay goes furthest
- Fargo, ND $67,414
- Duluth, MN $67,040
- Rochester, MN $64,247
- Decatur, IL $64,170
- Springfield, MO $64,074
- Jonesboro, AR $63,999
- Lebanon, PA $63,714
- St. Cloud, MN $63,105
- Joplin, MO $62,811
- St. Joseph, MO $62,594
All 376 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bremerton, WA | $64,890 | 100 | $61,445 | 38% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $62,130 | 80 | $60,199 | 36% |
| Fargo, ND | $61,260 | 150 | $67,414 | 22% |
| Barnstable, MA | $60,890 | 120 | $61,911 | 51% |
| San Jose, CA | $60,780 | 720 | $55,043 | 75% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $59,560 | 1,770 | $56,820 | 35% |
| Duluth, MN | $59,510 | 110 | $67,040 | 27% |
| Lebanon, PA | $59,390 | 50 | $63,714 | 29% |
| Seattle, WA | $59,340 | 2,950 | $53,395 | 46% |
| Lewiston, ME | $59,160 | 60 | $62,447 | 32% |
| Longview, WA | $59,020 | 70 | $60,505 | 29% |
| Chicago, IL | $58,900 | – | $56,856 | 44% |
| Olympia, WA | $58,710 | 120 | $56,632 | 42% |
| Racine, WI | $58,690 | 90 | $61,160 | 30% |
| Portland, OR | $58,670 | 2,080 | $55,653 | 37% |
| Portland, ME | $58,620 | 260 | $57,551 | 47% |
| San Francisco, CA | $58,610 | 3,010 | $50,695 | 71% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $58,520 | 30 | $62,246 | 28% |
| Rochester, MN | $58,350 | 110 | $64,247 | 33% |
| New York, NY | $58,180 | 11,590 | $51,687 | 73% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $58,040 | 80 | $61,164 | 35% |
| Kahului, HI | $57,970 | 120 | $52,992 | 66% |
| Burlington, VT | $57,860 | 110 | $57,316 | 54% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $57,510 | 60 | $56,139 | 46% |
| Janesville, WI | $57,170 | 100 | $61,012 | 27% |
| Washington, DC | $57,160 | 3,540 | $52,496 | 51% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $57,140 | 70 | $62,351 | 24% |
| Napa, CA | $57,140 | 90 | $50,767 | 61% |
| Lincoln, NE | $57,120 | 250 | $62,371 | 27% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $57,100 | 120 | $51,958 | 73% |
| Boulder, CO | $56,850 | 150 | $54,039 | 46% |
| Bellingham, WA | $56,820 | 140 | $54,987 | 41% |
| Springfield, MO | $56,760 | 400 | $64,074 | 26% |
| Decatur, IL | $56,740 | 50 | $64,170 | 22% |
| Odessa, TX | $56,620 | 240 | $60,301 | 33% |
| Boston, MA | $56,560 | 2,440 | $52,242 | 63% |
| Vineland, NJ | $56,550 | 100 | $58,926 | 35% |
| Wausau, WI | $56,460 | 80 | $60,938 | 20% |
| Vallejo, CA | $56,430 | 240 | $52,019 | 52% |
| Worcester, MA | $56,430 | 450 | $55,041 | 45% |
| Champaign, IL | $56,360 | 100 | $60,796 | 29% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $56,100 | 50 | $58,818 | 29% |
| Columbus, IN | $55,820 | 40 | $60,020 | 30% |
| Stockton, CA | $55,780 | 670 | $53,079 | 52% |
| Anchorage, AK | $55,740 | 300 | $52,874 | 41% |
| Denver, CO | $55,610 | 2,000 | $52,570 | 41% |
| Corvallis, OR | $55,430 | 50 | $53,289 | 39% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $55,300 | 150 | $63,105 | 27% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $54,960 | 80 | $63,999 | 27% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $54,950 | 950 | $54,477 | 36% |
| Springfield, IL | $54,900 | 80 | $59,195 | 26% |
| Kenosha, WI | $54,820 | 80 | $54,214 | – |
| Twin Falls, ID | $54,740 | 130 | $59,430 | 34% |
| Hartford, CT | $54,580 | 610 | $53,121 | 44% |
| Bozeman, MT | $54,320 | 40 | $52,990 | 49% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $54,250 | 250 | $50,332 | 59% |
| Kennewick, WA | $54,200 | 190 | $54,157 | 38% |
| Green Bay, WI | $54,150 | 290 | $58,172 | 25% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $54,070 | 70 | $62,594 | 22% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $54,000 | 60 | $51,996 | 39% |
| El Centro, CA | $53,990 | 150 | $56,728 | 40% |
| Bend, OR | $53,870 | 180 | $51,995 | 49% |
| Joplin, MO | $53,840 | 150 | $62,811 | 28% |
| Lewiston, ID | $53,820 | 40 | $59,039 | 33% |
| Greeley, CO | $53,580 | 180 | $53,486 | 38% |
| Casper, WY | $53,550 | 30 | $57,072 | 32% |
| Bangor, ME | $53,490 | 100 | $55,425 | 34% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $53,290 | 50 | $58,837 | 29% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $53,280 | 70 | $57,334 | 29% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $53,210 | 90 | $48,998 | 63% |
| Trenton, NJ | $53,180 | 270 | $51,541 | 57% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $53,130 | 80 | $54,053 | 41% |
| Memphis, TN | $53,080 | 1,070 | $57,584 | 31% |
| Salem, OR | $53,040 | 290 | $51,173 | 37% |
| Yakima, WA | $52,830 | 140 | $55,293 | 31% |
| Omaha, NE | $52,800 | 710 | $57,447 | 32% |
| Midland, TX | $52,780 | 350 | $55,104 | 36% |
| Springfield, MA | $52,710 | 220 | $54,871 | 45% |
| Boise, ID | $52,580 | 530 | $53,440 | 44% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $52,350 | 370 | $51,982 | 40% |
| Yuba City, CA | $52,350 | 250 | $50,224 | 47% |
| Decatur, AL | $52,310 | 40 | $59,980 | 25% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $52,290 | 50 | $57,753 | 26% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $52,170 | 7,700 | $45,938 | 67% |
| Dover, DE | $52,140 | 90 | $53,473 | 41% |
| Gainesville, GA | $52,070 | 180 | $53,810 | 39% |
| Riverside, CA | $52,000 | 3,250 | $48,853 | 58% |
| Elkhart, IN | $51,990 | 140 | $57,559 | 27% |
| Modesto, CA | $51,990 | 330 | $49,939 | 48% |
| Louisville, KY | $51,950 | 1,060 | $55,816 | 31% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $51,900 | 1,020 | $54,420 | 35% |
| Iowa City, IA | $51,880 | 70 | $56,694 | 41% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $51,860 | 890 | $53,499 | 36% |
| Salinas, CA | $51,740 | 250 | $47,450 | 64% |
| Waterbury, CT | $51,710 | 140 | $51,825 | – |
| San Diego, CA | $51,670 | 1,740 | $46,181 | 69% |
| Columbus, OH | $51,640 | 1,220 | $54,091 | 35% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $51,600 | 70 | $54,521 | 31% |
| Anniston, AL | $51,580 | 30 | $60,012 | 22% |
| Merced, CA | $51,550 | 130 | $52,455 | 48% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $51,410 | 380 | $52,114 | 35% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $51,390 | 130 | $59,859 | 32% |
| Saginaw, MI | $51,380 | 100 | $56,529 | 25% |
| York, PA | $51,380 | 230 | $53,521 | 32% |
| Macon, GA | $51,370 | 90 | $58,027 | 28% |
| Staunton, VA | $51,370 | 90 | $56,371 | 34% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $51,300 | 110 | $51,742 | 48% |
| Dubuque, IA | $51,290 | 60 | $58,733 | 25% |
| Kingston, NY | $51,280 | 90 | $50,919 | 47% |
| Great Falls, MT | $51,240 | 30 | $52,909 | 33% |
| Kokomo, IN | $51,200 | 40 | $57,112 | 26% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $51,170 | 3,430 | $49,896 | 45% |
| Traverse City, MI | $51,140 | 80 | $54,770 | 43% |
| Michigan City, IN | $50,840 | 40 | $55,453 | 28% |
| Baltimore, MD | $50,820 | 1,510 | $48,638 | 46% |
| Minot, ND | $50,790 | 60 | $58,361 | 30% |
| Cleveland, TN | $50,770 | 50 | $57,641 | 33% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $50,760 | 50 | $50,377 | 48% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $50,750 | 540 | $50,304 | 43% |
| Jackson, TN | $50,720 | 130 | $59,306 | 33% |
| Rockford, IL | $50,710 | 140 | $55,027 | 31% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $50,700 | 210 | $51,286 | 48% |
| Manchester, NH | $50,660 | 190 | $47,948 | 51% |
| Honolulu, HI | $50,640 | 720 | $45,638 | 71% |
| Lancaster, PA | $50,630 | 300 | $51,528 | 37% |
| Visalia, CA | $50,610 | 260 | $50,699 | 41% |
| Detroit, MI | $50,600 | 2,310 | $50,450 | 36% |
| Redding, CA | $50,600 | 140 | $50,256 | 39% |
| Ocala, FL | $50,560 | 170 | $53,090 | 38% |
| Sacramento, CA | $50,550 | 1,360 | $47,389 | 54% |
| Charlotte, NC | $50,520 | 1,830 | $51,896 | 41% |
| Oxnard, CA | $50,490 | 500 | $45,678 | 70% |
| Syracuse, NY | $50,480 | 490 | $52,725 | 39% |
| Houma, LA | $50,460 | 190 | $59,293 | 31% |
| Savannah, GA | $50,390 | 370 | $52,927 | 42% |
| Bloomington, IL | $50,360 | 50 | $53,840 | 31% |
| Durham, NC | $50,350 | 260 | $51,603 | 39% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $50,320 | 100 | $50,157 | 51% |
| Morristown, TN | $50,200 | 40 | $58,126 | 37% |
| The Villages, FL | $50,200 | 50 | $58,766 | 41% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $50,180 | 160 | $53,150 | 34% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $50,130 | 230 | $46,076 | 78% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $50,060 | 1,520 | $52,311 | 37% |
| Madison, WI | $50,020 | 340 | $51,415 | 43% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $50,000 | 60 | $49,879 | – |
| Spokane, WA | $50,000 | 300 | $49,828 | 36% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $49,990 | 140 | $55,940 | 31% |
| St. George, UT | $49,970 | 270 | $51,346 | 44% |
| Wheeling, WV | $49,940 | 90 | $56,542 | 21% |
| Paducah, KY | $49,920 | 90 | $57,990 | 28% |
| Reading, PA | $49,920 | 220 | $51,432 | 37% |
| Slidell, LA | $49,920 | 120 | $53,836 | – |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $49,910 | 1,290 | $52,719 | 35% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $49,890 | 110 | $56,079 | 29% |
| Providence, RI | $49,880 | 750 | $49,011 | 52% |
| Richmond, VA | $49,830 | 910 | $50,921 | 41% |
| Reno, NV | $49,820 | 420 | $49,320 | 50% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $49,790 | 60 | $57,843 | 24% |
| Clarksville, TN | $49,750 | 170 | $54,702 | 32% |
| Beaumont, TX | $49,740 | 270 | $55,238 | 32% |
| Monroe, MI | $49,730 | 90 | $53,192 | 31% |
| Canton, OH | $49,700 | 180 | $55,589 | 28% |
| Nashville, TN | $49,680 | 1,290 | $51,568 | 44% |
| Ogden, UT | $49,680 | 270 | $49,507 | 39% |
| Albany, NY | $49,670 | 440 | $49,887 | 41% |
| St. Louis, MO | $49,650 | 1,660 | $52,215 | 34% |
| Grand Island, NE | $49,590 | 60 | $57,226 | 32% |
| Fresno, CA | $49,580 | 800 | $48,533 | 50% |
| Allentown, PA | $49,570 | 430 | $49,586 | 45% |
| Austin, TX | $49,570 | 1,490 | $50,548 | 39% |
| Dalton, GA | $49,520 | 120 | $55,118 | 34% |
| Medford, OR | $49,470 | 160 | $48,771 | 45% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $49,450 | 70 | $57,060 | 27% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $49,420 | 350 | $53,692 | 37% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $49,410 | 510 | $54,518 | 31% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $49,400 | 860 | $51,703 | 39% |
| Appleton, WI | $49,370 | 130 | $53,420 | 29% |
| Cleveland, OH | $49,340 | 1,010 | $52,532 | 35% |
| Asheville, NC | $49,310 | 180 | $51,095 | 41% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $49,310 | 290 | $53,267 | 31% |
| Knoxville, TN | $49,290 | 550 | $53,247 | 42% |
| Victoria, TX | $49,270 | 60 | $54,843 | 28% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $49,250 | 190 | $48,701 | 48% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $49,180 | 80 | $54,536 | 30% |
| Dayton, OH | $49,180 | 420 | $53,056 | 32% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $49,120 | 50 | $55,811 | 31% |
| Brunswick, GA | $49,090 | 50 | $55,970 | 41% |
| Lafayette, LA | $49,070 | 390 | $56,267 | 34% |
| San Angelo, TX | $49,070 | 50 | $53,076 | 32% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $49,030 | 180 | $48,602 | 47% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $48,990 | 140 | $51,655 | 32% |
| Toledo, OH | $48,990 | 290 | $53,567 | 31% |
| Bloomington, IN | $48,970 | 60 | $51,502 | 43% |
| Atlanta, GA | $48,930 | 3,690 | $48,902 | 45% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $48,890 | 150 | $53,695 | 36% |
| Buffalo, NY | $48,880 | 500 | $51,000 | 36% |
| Lexington, KY | $48,880 | 240 | $52,622 | 39% |
| Montgomery, AL | $48,790 | 160 | $54,403 | 34% |
| Amarillo, TX | $48,780 | 320 | $53,126 | 32% |
| Lafayette, IN | $48,750 | 110 | $52,178 | 36% |
| Kankakee, IL | $48,730 | 40 | $50,553 | 33% |
| La Crosse, WI | $48,710 | 140 | $53,079 | 33% |
| Auburn, AL | $48,690 | 70 | $55,372 | 39% |
| Helena, MT | $48,690 | 40 | $50,891 | 41% |
| Ames, IA | $48,680 | 50 | $54,801 | 29% |
| Akron, OH | $48,650 | 380 | $52,105 | 32% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $48,630 | 1,120 | $48,882 | 41% |
| Houston, TX | $48,550 | 5,720 | $49,225 | 40% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $48,530 | 80 | $55,379 | 32% |
| Salisbury, MD | $48,530 | 80 | $50,755 | 48% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $48,520 | 420 | $47,406 | 45% |
| Bismarck, ND | $48,510 | 90 | $53,294 | 32% |
| Naples, FL | $48,440 | 160 | $46,938 | 65% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $48,430 | 50 | $50,922 | 44% |
| Hanford, CA | $48,410 | 50 | $47,642 | 48% |
| Jackson, MS | $48,370 | 400 | $54,319 | 36% |
| Albany, OR | $48,310 | 120 | $47,316 | 41% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $48,310 | 100 | $50,599 | 43% |
| New Haven, CT | $48,310 | 300 | $46,204 | 51% |
| Raleigh, NC | $48,310 | 720 | $49,217 | 41% |
| Flint, MI | $48,300 | 160 | $51,917 | 26% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $48,280 | 4,200 | $46,730 | 43% |
| Albany, GA | $48,220 | 110 | $55,002 | 27% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $48,210 | 60 | $54,911 | 24% |
| Charleston, SC | $48,200 | 500 | $47,741 | 51% |
| Chico, CA | $48,160 | 70 | $47,590 | 39% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $48,160 | 1,090 | $49,172 | 47% |
| Pueblo, CO | $48,150 | 70 | $52,473 | 33% |
| Rochester, NY | $48,150 | 840 | $49,621 | 38% |
| Davenport, IA | $48,140 | 210 | $54,042 | 25% |
| Birmingham, AL | $48,110 | 460 | $52,497 | 35% |
| Dallas, TX | $48,030 | 7,170 | $46,590 | 41% |
| Springfield, OH | $48,030 | 60 | $53,082 | 30% |
| Peoria, IL | $48,010 | 140 | $52,625 | 29% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $47,980 | 390 | $43,849 | 56% |
| Erie, PA | $47,960 | 90 | $52,732 | 28% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $47,920 | 80 | $54,470 | 25% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $47,900 | 40 | $48,998 | 40% |
| Evansville, IN | $47,890 | 190 | $52,323 | 28% |
| Augusta, GA | $47,860 | 220 | $52,077 | 37% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $47,850 | 80 | $51,565 | 29% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $47,850 | 150 | $50,812 | 40% |
| Eugene, OR | $47,730 | 260 | $46,993 | 45% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $47,690 | 420 | $52,204 | 40% |
| Kansas City, MO | $47,660 | 1,590 | $51,500 | 39% |
| Williamsport, PA | $47,660 | 50 | $51,608 | 27% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $47,630 | 750 | $52,683 | 35% |
| Columbia, SC | $47,550 | 430 | $50,768 | 39% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $47,550 | 220 | $47,442 | 58% |
| Athens, GA | $47,540 | 90 | $50,930 | 45% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $47,490 | 30 | $49,217 | 39% |
| Greenville, NC | $47,380 | 50 | $53,596 | 37% |
| Scranton, PA | $47,380 | 300 | $50,643 | 34% |
| Lansing, MI | $47,350 | 220 | $49,847 | 33% |
| Mankato, MN | $47,300 | 70 | $52,004 | 31% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $47,210 | 2,210 | $47,109 | 44% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $47,200 | 280 | $50,933 | 36% |
| Greenville, SC | $47,200 | 420 | $50,611 | 40% |
| Topeka, KS | $47,170 | 90 | $53,107 | 32% |
| Rome, GA | $47,140 | 30 | $52,284 | 32% |
| South Bend, IN | $47,140 | 120 | $50,766 | 32% |
| Muncie, IN | $47,130 | 50 | $53,467 | 27% |
| Roanoke, VA | $47,070 | 250 | $50,279 | 36% |
| Altoona, PA | $47,010 | 80 | $52,521 | 26% |
| Youngstown, OH | $46,970 | 150 | $53,745 | 27% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $46,930 | 500 | $51,696 | 35% |
| Huntsville, AL | $46,900 | 140 | $50,391 | 35% |
| Hickory, NC | $46,890 | 170 | $52,991 | 41% |
| San Antonio, TX | $46,800 | 1,570 | $49,411 | 36% |
| College Station, TX | $46,700 | 150 | $51,346 | 39% |
| Winchester, VA | $46,660 | 80 | $48,377 | 47% |
| State College, PA | $46,640 | 50 | $48,201 | 50% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $46,620 | 340 | $50,971 | 39% |
| Morgantown, WV | $46,620 | 40 | $49,956 | 35% |
| Shreveport, LA | $46,610 | 300 | $54,987 | 33% |
| Niles, MI | $46,570 | 80 | $50,417 | 36% |
| Watertown, NY | $46,450 | 60 | $52,971 | 39% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $46,420 | 60 | $49,494 | 39% |
| Greensboro, NC | $46,390 | 540 | $49,954 | 36% |
| Huntington, WV | $46,370 | 120 | $52,442 | 28% |
| Mansfield, OH | $46,370 | 50 | $52,176 | 23% |
| New Orleans, LA | $46,360 | 770 | $50,066 | 41% |
| Little Rock, AR | $46,330 | 470 | $51,844 | 32% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $46,320 | 70 | $51,903 | 33% |
| Kingsport, TN | $46,280 | 140 | $53,536 | 34% |
| Wilmington, NC | $46,270 | 240 | $47,987 | 45% |
| Weirton, WV | $46,200 | 40 | $51,896 | 21% |
| Manhattan, KS | $46,110 | 40 | $51,141 | 33% |
| Charleston, WV | $46,100 | 130 | $51,963 | 31% |
| Tucson, AZ | $46,000 | 510 | $47,474 | 39% |
| Florence, SC | $45,980 | 90 | $52,988 | 40% |
| Jackson, MI | $45,980 | 60 | $50,099 | 31% |
| Miami, FL | $45,980 | 3,550 | $40,279 | 69% |
| Sebastian, FL | $45,930 | 40 | $46,721 | 56% |
| Missoula, MT | $45,820 | 90 | $47,509 | 42% |
| Dothan, AL | $45,810 | 40 | $54,644 | 32% |
| Waterloo, IA | $45,810 | 70 | $52,621 | 27% |
| Lakeland, FL | $45,790 | 420 | $47,138 | 48% |
| Burlington, NC | $45,760 | 70 | $49,101 | 35% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $45,740 | 110 | $46,665 | 52% |
| Valdosta, GA | $45,740 | 70 | $51,818 | 35% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $45,680 | 190 | $49,664 | 38% |
| Muskegon, MI | $45,620 | 40 | $49,309 | 34% |
| Lima, OH | $45,610 | 60 | $50,865 | 32% |
| North Port, FL | $45,490 | 310 | $44,416 | 56% |
| Columbia, MO | $45,440 | 110 | $50,806 | 38% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $45,440 | 60 | $49,346 | 42% |
| Utica, NY | $45,410 | 160 | $48,998 | 38% |
| Orlando, FL | $45,180 | 2,290 | $44,548 | 51% |
| Bay City, MI | $45,140 | 40 | $49,107 | 27% |
| Johnstown, PA | $45,140 | 60 | $52,532 | 24% |
| Mobile, AL | $45,140 | 190 | $51,238 | 34% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $45,140 | 210 | $45,138 | 50% |
| Wichita, KS | $45,140 | 410 | $50,750 | 32% |
| Tampa, FL | $45,090 | 1,820 | $44,692 | 53% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $45,080 | 140 | $47,999 | 39% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $44,990 | 100 | $47,812 | 41% |
| Binghamton, NY | $44,980 | 130 | $48,437 | 43% |
| Crestview, FL | $44,930 | 140 | $46,305 | 53% |
| Rapid City, SD | $44,900 | 80 | $50,359 | 39% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $44,830 | 140 | $45,626 | 50% |
| Sioux City, IA | $44,790 | 90 | $51,808 | 35% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $44,740 | 30 | $50,575 | 41% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $44,740 | 70 | $51,002 | 45% |
| Des Moines, IA | $44,730 | 510 | $48,778 | 34% |
| Gainesville, FL | $44,710 | 130 | $46,220 | 44% |
| Owensboro, KY | $44,690 | 60 | $50,434 | 33% |
| Billings, MT | $44,660 | 320 | $47,751 | 37% |
| Farmington, NM | $44,660 | 80 | $50,920 | 38% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $44,510 | 70 | $44,278 | 50% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $44,380 | 40 | $47,482 | 47% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $44,360 | 120 | $49,173 | 40% |
| Waco, TX | $44,320 | 170 | $47,888 | 38% |
| Panama City, FL | $44,310 | 90 | $45,541 | 47% |
| Pensacola, FL | $44,270 | 180 | $45,304 | 47% |
| Tulsa, OK | $44,130 | 600 | $49,465 | 37% |
| Yuma, AZ | $44,090 | 190 | $47,559 | 39% |
| Longview, TX | $43,990 | 190 | $49,159 | 31% |
| Texarkana, TX | $43,980 | 80 | $52,350 | 34% |
| Ithaca, NY | $43,890 | 40 | $42,481 | 54% |
| Pocatello, ID | $43,790 | 30 | $49,254 | 30% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $43,710 | 570 | $45,748 | 41% |
| Sherman, TX | $43,550 | 60 | $46,443 | 37% |
| Lubbock, TX | $43,540 | 210 | $47,680 | 37% |
| Killeen, TX | $43,520 | 210 | $47,755 | 36% |
| Hammond, LA | $43,480 | 60 | $51,480 | 36% |
| El Paso, TX | $43,420 | 820 | $48,292 | 42% |
| Columbus, GA | $42,980 | 90 | $48,132 | 38% |
| Provo, UT | $42,930 | 280 | $43,703 | 50% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $42,900 | 40 | $43,436 | 55% |
| Tyler, TX | $42,480 | 120 | $46,096 | 37% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $42,430 | 50 | $44,726 | 41% |
| Alexandria, LA | $42,410 | 50 | $49,495 | 29% |
| Lawton, OK | $42,270 | 50 | $49,185 | 32% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $42,060 | 30 | $47,614 | 53% |
| Sebring, FL | $42,050 | 40 | $45,474 | 43% |
| Monroe, LA | $42,010 | 90 | $50,253 | 34% |
| Logan, UT | $41,600 | 50 | $43,366 | 41% |
| Norwich, CT | $41,600 | 180 | $41,416 | 61% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $41,530 | 90 | $46,395 | 38% |
| Daphne, AL | $41,450 | 70 | $43,774 | 49% |
| Brownsville, TX | $40,660 | 190 | $47,293 | 45% |
| Abilene, TX | $40,050 | 130 | $44,321 | 60% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $39,880 | 130 | $46,433 | 32% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $39,870 | 120 | $42,577 | 52% |
| Elmira, NY | $39,640 | 50 | $41,992 | 35% |
| McAllen, TX | $39,500 | 530 | $45,986 | 34% |
| Deltona, FL | $39,050 | 270 | $39,299 | 54% |
| Florence, AL | $39,040 | 60 | $46,029 | 33% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $38,900 | 140 | $41,959 | 51% |
| Johnson City, TN | $38,860 | 70 | $44,195 | 46% |
| Gulfport, MS | $38,490 | 190 | $42,764 | 44% |
| Laredo, TX | $38,140 | 910 | $43,861 | 36% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $37,440 | 30 | $43,002 | 34% |
| Beckley, WV | $36,320 | 90 | $41,100 | 34% |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $34,520 | 40 | $41,191 | 40% |
What the median dispatcher salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $50,340 |
| Month | $4,195 |
| Every two weeks | $1,936 |
| Week | $968 |
| Hour | $24.20 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a dispatcher: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | −0.7% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 16,000 |
| Self-employed | 1.1% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Mail carrier | $60,550 | No formal education |
| Bookkeeper | $50,670 | Some college |
| Bank teller | $43,030 | High school diploma |
| Administrative assistant | $47,540 | High school diploma |
| Executive assistant | $76,590 | High school diploma |
| Customer service representative | $44,770 | High school diploma |
| Receptionist | $38,010 | High school diploma |
Questions about dispatcher pay
How much does a dispatcher make an hour?
The median is $24.20 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $17.32 and the top 10% over $37.57.
How much does a dispatcher make a month?
About $4,195 a month before taxes at the median salary of $50,340, or $1,936 every two weeks.
What state pays dispatchers the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $72,260. Washington ($59,330), Minnesota ($59,220), North Dakota ($57,580) and Illinois ($57,240) follow.
Where do dispatchers make the most after cost of living?
The District of Columbia: its median of $72,260 is worth $65,750 at typical US prices. North Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska come next.
How much do entry-level dispatchers make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of dispatchers earn under $36,030 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $42,750, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a dispatcher?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: moderate-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 43-5032 (Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.