As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual pay for Cargo and Freight Agents is $48,420, compared to the average annual salary of $46,650 for Dispatchers. Therefore, these careers pay similar salaries.
However, wages can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. For example, Cargo and Freight Agents who work in Connecticut (with salary averaging $71,700) may earn more than those who work in Hawaii ($38,040). And Dispatchers in Washington DC earn 71% more on average compared to those in South Dakota.
Cargo and Freight Agents vs Dispatchers overview
Cargo and Freight Agents and Dispatchers are essential to the Support Activities for Transportation industry. Many people are interested in understanding the differences between these jobs, as well as the average salaries for each.
Cargo and Freight Agents job description
Cargo and Freight Agents expedite and route movement of incoming and outgoing cargo and freight shipments in airline, train, and trucking terminals and shipping docks. Take orders from customers and arrange pickup of freight and cargo for delivery to loading platform. Prepare and examine bills of lading to determine shipping charges and tariffs.
Cargo and Freight Agents education and experience
Of Cargo and Freight Agents, about a third have completed a Bachelor's Degree, 19% have a College Course Certificate, and 18% hold a Post-Secondary Certificate. With regard to experience, more than half of Cargo and Freight Agents jobs do not require any previous experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (21%) require a previous experience of 6 months to 1 year.
Cargo and Freight Agents average salary
As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Cargo and Freight Agents employed in the United States was 85,750, and they earned an average of $48,420 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $30,020 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $69,450 or more. The average salary has increased by 2.6% compared the previous year.
Do Cargo and Freight Agents make good money?
Cargo and Freight Agents salaries are typically not as good as those in other fields, as their average salary is 17% lower than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they earn 15% less than the average wage of the Support Activities for Transportation industry ($56,670).
Cargo and Freight Agents salaries are typically not as good as those in other fields, as their average salary is 17% lower than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
Cargo and Freight Agents job growth
In 2021, there have been 10,760 less Cargo and Freight Agents positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a decrease of 11.1%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -2.2%.
Dispatcher job description
Alternative names: Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
Dispatchers schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles for conveyance of materials, freight, or passengers, or for normal installation, service, or emergency repairs rendered outside the place of business. Duties may include using radio, telephone, or computer to transmit assignments and compiling statistics and reports on work progress.
Dispatcher education and experience
About a half of Dispatchers have completed a High School Diploma, 26% have a College Course Certificate, and 8% hold an Associate's Degree. Regarding experience, about a third of Dispatcher jobs require a 1 to 2 years of experience in the field. A smaller percentage of jobs (20%) require no previous experience.
Dispatcher average salary
As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Dispatchers employed in the United States was 194,330, and they earned an average of $46,650 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $29,120 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $71,480 or more. The average salary has increased by 4% compared the previous year.
Do Dispatchers make good money?
Dispatchers salaries are typically not as good as those in other fields, as their average salary is 20% lower than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they earn 10% less than the average wage of the Truck Transportation industry ($51,890).
Dispatchers salaries are typically not as good as those in other fields, as their average salary is 20% lower than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
Dispatchers job growth
In 2021, there have been 5,880 more Dispatcher positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a rise of 3.1%. The average job growth over the past 3 years has been -0.9%.
FAQ
Do Cargo and Freight Agents or Dispatchers make more?
These two professions have salaries that are similar. The average annual salary for Dispatchers is $46,650, compared to $48,420 for Cargo and Freight Agents.