Truck dispatchers provide logistics and dispatching support to trucking companies, owner-operators, or truck drivers. Truck dispatchers act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, ensuring that the transportation process runs smoothly.
Truck dispatchers’ hourly rates in the United States typically range between $11 and $25 an hour. Truck dispatchers earn the highest salaries in Connecticut ($41,412), New Jersey ($39,902), and California ($39,685). Truck dispatcher salaries at Marathon Petroleum are the highest of any company.
Based on the above, it is safe to state that the amount truck dispatchers can make varies based on the individual and their specific circumstances.
Some truck dispatchers earn significantly more or less than the average salary depending on factors such as the size of their practice, experience, qualifications, and the region in which they live.
Given the important nature of their work, it is no surprise that many people wonder how much money they make. In this article, we will explore the earnings of truck dispatchers, including the factors that influence their salaries, and the differences in pay between different states, cities, and levels of experience.
Factors That Influence the Income of Truck Dispatchers
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Place of Employment
One of the significant factors that affects how much a truck dispatcher will make is their place of employment. The average pay range of a work-from-home truck dispatcher varies greatly (by as much as $5,413).
Dispatchers who work from home or are self-employed are paid a commission by the carrier for finding them their loads. This commission usually sits between 5-10% of the pay rate for that load.
The average Truck Dispatcher salary in the United States is $34,691 as of September 25, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $44,742 and $60,317.
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The Level of Experience
As with many professions, newly graduated truck dispatchers earn less than those who have been in the field for several years.
Available data shows that the average salary for a junior-level truck dispatcher is around $29,000 per year or $13.94 per hour.
Mid-level truck dispatcher earns around $35,756 per year or $17.9 per hour, and Senior level truck dispatchers earn about $43,000 per year or $20.76 per hour. Please note that some companies pay as much as $60,000 per year for well-experienced truck dispatchers.
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The Location the Truck Dispatcher is Working
Truck dispatchers in large cities tend to earn more than those in rural areas, due to the higher cost of living in these areas.
For example, truck dispatchers in Livermore, CA earn about $40,623 per year, and $19.53 per hour. Truck dispatchers in Belleville, NJ make about $39,645 per year and $19.06 per hour. Truck dispatchers in New York, NY make about $38,788 per year and $18.65 per hour.
Truck dispatchers in Columbus, GA make about $35,517 per year and $17.08 per hour. Truck dispatchers in Chicago, IL make about $34,484 per year and $16.58 per year, etc.
The level of competition among truck dispatchers in a particular region can also impact a truck dispatcher’s salary. In areas with a high level of competition, truck dispatchers may have to accept a lower salary to remain competitive. In areas with a lower level of competition, truck dispatchers may be able to command a higher salary.
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The Level of Education and Certifications a Truck Dispatcher Holds
Most truck dispatcher positions require at least a high school diploma or GED as a minimum educational requirement. Even though formal education is not a strict requirement when it comes to working as a truck dispatcher, some individuals choose to pursue certificates or coursework related to transportation and logistics to enhance their knowledge and marketability.
Truck dispatchers who invest in continuing education and stay current with the latest advancements in truck dispatching software may also be able to command a higher salary.
Truck Dispatcher Certifications Required
If you are interested in becoming a truck dispatcher that is highly sought after, then you may want to consider acquiring the following certifications:
Certified Dispatcher: The Certified Dispatcher designation is offered by various organizations, such as the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA
Certified Transportation Broker (CTB): While this certification is more relevant to freight brokers, it covers many aspects of the transportation industry, including dispatching. The CTB designation is offered by the TIA and is a comprehensive certification in transportation logistics.
Certified Logistics Associate (CLA): The CLA certification, offered by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), covers logistics principles and can be beneficial for individuals working in dispatch and logistics roles.
Freight Transportation Dispatcher Certification: Various private institutions and training centers offer dispatcher certification programs.
These programs may cover topics like load planning, route optimization, and compliance with transportation regulations.
Transportation Management Certificate: Some colleges and universities offer certificate programs in transportation management, which can include dispatcher-related coursework.