Public Service Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Dispatcher Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median dispatcher salary in Arlington, VA is $61,750 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$61,750
vs State Avg
+$13,099
vs National
+$14,970
Cost of Living
132%

Dispatcher Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median dispatcher salary of $61,750, which is $13,099 above the Virginia state average of $48,651. Compared to the national median of $46,780, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $61,750 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $46,780. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dispatchers in Arlington spans from $40,920 at the 10th percentile to $92,400 at the 90th percentile — a $51,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,560, while senior dispatchers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,120. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dispatcher Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level dispatcher earns around $43,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,560
+$10,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,360
+$15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,120
+$21,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $40,920
25th Percentile $48,840
Median (50th) $61,750
75th Percentile $76,560
90th Percentile $92,400

Dispatcher Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$47,716
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$46,780
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$45,844
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$44,909
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Dispatcher in Arlington

Education

Most dispatcher positions require a high school diploma. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radio CommunicationCAD SystemsMulti-taskingStress ManagementGeographyTyping

Job Outlook

Nationally, dispatcher employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dispatcher Jobs in Arlington

Browse open dispatcher positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dispatcher Salary in Arlington

How much does a Dispatcher make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median dispatcher salary in Arlington, Virginia is $61,750 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $46,780. Salaries range from $40,920 (10th percentile) to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dispatcher make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,750, a dispatcher in Arlington earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for dispatcher pay? ▼
Arlington's median dispatcher salary of $61,750 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $48,651. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a dispatcher salary of $61,750 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dispatcher in Arlington? ▼
Most dispatcher positions in Arlington require a high school diploma. Key skills include Radio Communication, CAD Systems, Multi-tasking, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.