Airplane Dispatchers

According to PayScale.com, in June 2024 flight dispatchers earned a median annual salary of $61,000. The lowest 10 percent made less than $38,000 annually, while the top 10 percent earned more than $131,000 per year. Dispatcher salaries vary significantly among airlines.

According to PayScale.com, based on 11 salaries, an entry-level flight dispatcher with less than one year of experience can expect an average total compensation, which includes tips, bonuses, and overtime pay, of $48,000. The average compensation for an early career flight dispatcher with one to four years of experience is $53,938, per the data collected from 52 salaries. On the other hand, a mid-career flight dispatcher with five to nine years of experience earns an average compensation of $59,622, based on the data collected from 19 salaries. An experienced flight dispatcher with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $76,517 based on 22 salaries. Employees in their late careers (20 years and higher) earn an average total compensation of $123,176.

Airline positions generally provide health insurance and other benefits. Beginning dispatchers usually work eight-hour shifts five days a week and receive two weeks of paid vacation annually. Senior dispatchers typically work four 10-hour shifts a week and may receive as many as six weeks of vacation each year. Most dispatchers and their families can fly for free or at heavily discounted prices.