Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $64,250 +31.4% vs national
Median hourly $30.89
10th percentile $42,440
90th percentile $74,840
Employed locally 10,800
National median $48,880

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    In Chicago and its surrounding areas in Illinois and Indiana, dispatchers—excluding those for police, fire, and ambulance services—earn a median annual salary of $64,250, which equates to approximately $30.89 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national median annual salary for the same occupation, which stands at $48,880, indicating that these workers earn significantly more in this metropolitan region. When compared to the area's median household income of $88,850, dispatchers' earnings represent a substantial portion but still fall short of the average household income, suggesting that while well-compensated relative to national standards, they may not fully meet or exceed local household financial benchmarks.

    Entry-level dispatchers in this region earn around $42,440 annually, which is near the 10th percentile, indicating that these workers are at the lower end of the pay scale. In contrast, experienced dispatchers who reach the higher echelons of their career can expect to earn up to approximately $74,810, aligning with the 75th percentile mark. The disparity between entry-level and seasoned professionals is driven by several factors including experience, proficiency in using advanced communication technologies, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously under pressure. Additional influences on salary include the size of the employer, specific industry demands, and regional economic conditions, all contributing to the wide range observed within this occupation's earning potential.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $42,440
    25th
    $51,840
    50th (median)
    $64,250
    75th
    $74,810
    90th
    $74,840

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance salary vs area income 72% Median Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance salary is 28% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance in Chicago, IL-IN is $30.89, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $39.71 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance salaries?

    The median Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 31.4% above the national median of $48,880. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance in Chicago?

    Entry-level Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance (10th percentile) earn around $42,440 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $51,840.