What Is An Aircraft Dispatcher?

​​Dispatchers are licensed airmen by the FAA who shares responsibility for the exercise of operational control, which gives them authority to divert, delay or cancel a flight. Legal requirements known as "14 CFR part 121" govern dispatch release in the United States.  After the release of a flight (in a joint responsibility environment) the dispatcher uses sophisticated software tools to monitor the flight's progress and advises the flight crew of any circumstances that might affect flight safety. They are in constant communication with the air crew and could be contacted through phone, radio, and ACARS (aircraft communications and reporting system).
 
​Operational Control, with respect to a flight, means the exercise of authority over initiating, conducting or terminating a flight.
The aircraft dispatcher is responsible for—

​

1. Monitoring the progress of each flight.

2. Issuing necessary information for the safety of the flight; and

3. Cancelling or redispatching a flight if, in his opinion or the opinion of the pilot in command, the flight cannot operate or continue to operate safely as planned or released.

​

Salary Ranges

​

As of September 01, 2025, the average annual salary for Aircraft Dispatcher in the US is $54,171, equivalent to $26 per hour, $1,042 weekly, or $4,514 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Aircraft Dispatcher in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Aircraft Dispatcher in the US vary widely, spanning from $47,351 to $68,851. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($50,602) and 75th percentile ($61,855), while top earners (90th percentile) make $68,851 per year. It is not unheard of that Aircraft Dispatchers can make over $150,000 per year!

​

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Aircraft Dispatcher often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 29 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

​

​

​

​