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Flight Dispatcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sfo

Flight Dispatch Operations Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$72K/yr

Directs and coordinates through Flight Dispatcher's and subordinate personnel, flight operation and control activities of regional stations. Experience required * Experience of Five years in Flight ...

Menzies Aviation

Dispatcher

Burlingame, CA

$24.39/hr

Communicate flight release and fuel load information to appropriate operations * Maintain lines of ... dispatcher * Must be 18 years of age or older * Pass pre-employment drug screen and all pre ...

Menzies Aviation

Dispatcher

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$24.39/hr

Communicate flight release and fuel load information to appropriate operations * Maintain lines of ... dispatcher * Must be 18 years of age or older * Pass pre-employment drug screen and all pre ...

Certified Aviation Services

Dispatcher

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Verify that assigned personnel have arrived for each flight. * If a technician has not reported ... Dispatcher Key Objective Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient maintenance operations through ...

Helinet Aviation

Flight Follower P/T

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $28/hr

The Flight Follower serves as the central point of contact for aircraft scheduling between Helinet ... Responsible for assisting Director of Operations and Chief Pilot for dispatching company aircraft ...

Helinet Aviation

Flight Follower P/T

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $28/hr

The Flight Follower serves as the central point of contact for aircraft scheduling between Helinet ... Responsible for assisting Director of Operations and Chief Pilot for dispatching company aircraft ...

Helinet Aviation

Flight Follower P/T

Van Nuys, CA

$23.50 - $28/hr

The Flight Follower serves as the central point of contact for aircraft scheduling between Helinet ... Responsible for assisting Director of Operations and Chief Pilot for dispatching company aircraft ...

STA Jets

Aircraft Dispatcher

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

The Part 135 Dispatcher will be responsible for managing flight logistics, responding to communications, and coordinating crew activities. This role involves working in a fast-paced, high-stress ...

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Flight Dispatcher information

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How much do flight dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight dispatcher in California is $27.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight dispatcher?

Flight Dispatchers are aviation professionals responsible for planning and monitoring the progress of aircraft journeys. They work closely with pilots to ensure flights are safe, efficient, and compliant with regulations. Their duties include creating flight plans, checking weather conditions, calculating fuel requirements, and making real-time decisions when conditions change. Flight Dispatchers play a critical role in airline operations, helping to maintain safety and minimize delays.

What does a flight dispatcher do?

A flight dispatcher plays a crucial role in all aspects of aircraft flights for an airline. Your primary responsibilities in this career are to thoroughly plan and research the flight path for each plane under your jurisdiction, communicate with the pilot about operations during the flight, prepare for the landing and takeoff of aircraft, and ensure that the pilot and crew follow proper regulations and safety standards. You are also in charge of monitoring the weather to forecast potential hazards. Your duties have you calculating fuel needs, reviewing the crew for the flight, and using your best judgment to cancel flights if unsafe conditions are present.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight dispatcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Dispatcher, you need strong knowledge of aviation regulations, flight planning, meteorology, and an FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate or equivalent qualification. Familiarity with flight planning software, weather analysis tools, and airline operations systems is typically required. Excellent communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively with pilots and manage high-pressure situations. These abilities are critical to ensuring flight safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient airline operations.

How does a flight dispatcher typically collaborate with pilots and air traffic controllers during flight operations?

Flight Dispatchers work closely with pilots by providing critical pre-flight briefings, monitoring weather and flight progress, and recommending alternate routes if conditions change en route. They also coordinate with air traffic controllers to ensure safe and efficient routing, especially during adverse weather or high-traffic periods. This collaboration is essential for maintaining safety, minimizing delays, and adapting to real-time operational challenges.

What is the difference between Flight Dispatcher vs Flight Operations Coordinator?

AspectFlight DispatcherFlight Operations Coordinator
CertificationsFAA Flight Dispatcher CertificateTypically no specific certification, but may have related logistics or aviation credentials
Work EnvironmentAirlines, charter companies, or freight carriers; focused on flight planning and safetyAirlines or aviation companies; manages overall flight operations and coordination
Job ResponsibilitiesPlanning flights, calculating fuel, weather analysis, ensuring regulatory complianceCoordinating flight schedules, liaising with crews and ground staff, managing operational logistics

Flight Dispatchers and Flight Operations Coordinators both work within the aviation industry, but Flight Dispatchers focus on flight planning and safety compliance, while Flight Operations Coordinators handle broader operational coordination. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in aviation operations.

Do flight dispatchers make good money?

Flight dispatchers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and airline size. They require certification and work in a regulated environment, often with irregular hours, but generally have stable employment and competitive pay within the aviation industry.

How hard is it to become a flight dispatcher?

Becoming a flight dispatcher requires completing a federal or national certification program, which typically involves coursework in aviation regulations, weather, and navigation, followed by passing a written exam. Candidates often need relevant aviation experience or training, and must obtain a license or certification before working in the role, making it a process that can take several months to complete.

What qualifications do I need to be a flight dispatcher?

To become a flight dispatcher, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and must complete a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved training course. They must pass a written exam and obtain a dispatch license or certification, demonstrating knowledge of aviation regulations, weather, navigation, and aircraft operations. Strong communication, decision-making skills, and familiarity with flight planning tools are also important.
More about Flight Dispatcher jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Dispatcher jobs in California?

The most popular types of Flight Dispatcher jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Dispatcher jobs in California?

For Flight Dispatcher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Dispatcher jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Dispatcher jobs in California are:

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Cities in California with the most Flight Dispatcher job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Dispatcher jobs in CA?

For Flight Dispatcher jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Flight Dispatcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Dispatcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,884 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Flight Operations and Aircraft Flight Dispatcher - SFO

Pacific Aviation

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$25.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Pacific Aviation is a leading airport-handling provider dedicated to providing exceptional service for some of the world's finest airlines. By developing and growing our people, we know that our team members are the reason for our 30-year plus success record. We currently support three west coast major airports (LAX, SFO, & SEA) and are looking to expand to more locations across the U.S.
At Pacific Aviation we don't just accept differences - we celebrate them and believe that a diverse team is a strong team. We thrive on our varied backgrounds and perspectives for the benefit of our employees, our services, and our community. All candidates for hire, promotion and performance are evaluated on the basis of merit alone.
About the position:
Pacific Aviation is looking for Aircraft Dispatchers to joint our flight operations team.
Core Responsibilities:
Flight Operations
  • Responsible for the safety and execution of assigned flights.
  • Preparation and file computerized Flight and ATC plans for International; Trans-Pacific/ Atlantic Flights.
  • Provide full weather/ operational briefing to flight crews, analyze weather NOTAMS and ATC data to ensure safe operations and compliance with Airline SOP's

Teamwork
  • Collaborate and partner with fellow dispatchers to ensure uninterrupted service for flight operations and to foster a positive work environment where all team members feel appreciated.

Administration
  • Complete, submit, and deliver all assigned reports in a time manner to ensure flights take off in on schedule.
  • Ensure compliance with airport regulations and airline requirements

Requirements
  • FAA Flight Dispatch License
  • Student Pilot acceptable as long as you have the ability to read weather/METER/NOTAMS/TAFS with verifiable flying hours
  • Preparation/ filing of computer flight and ATC plans for International: Trans-Pacific/ Atlantic flights
  • Provide full weather /operational briefing to flight crews.
  • Analyze weather, NOTAMS and ATC data to ensure safe operations and compliance with Airline specific SOP's
  • Ability to handle heavy phone calls, emails providing all flight information /FLIFO to support vendors as well as liaise with Airport Authority for gates/ parking assignments
  • Must possess knowledge of flight planning software such as SITA/ARI NC/LIDO/JEPPESEN/SABER
  • Must be able to complete airline specific training
  • Must possess several years of experience conducting flight operations or utilizing flight operations systems in a similar capacity (such as, being a pilot)

Additional Qualifications:
  • Leadership and team management experience is a plus
  • Advanced education is a plus

Benefits
Hourly Pay $25.40
Approx. 32 - 40 hours/week
Medical , Dental, Vision benefits
401k
Paid Time Off

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