In 2026, the highest salaries for aircraft dispatchers are found at the Major/Legacy carriers and certain Cargo operators. Southwest Airlines is currently cited as the industry leader for "top-scale" pay, with senior dispatchers potentially earning over $203,000 annually including overrides. Among the Big Three, United Airlines and American Airlines follow closely, with senior roles topping out between $150,000 and $160,000. FedEx and UPS also offer high-value compensation packages, particularly for night-shift roles. For entry-level dispatchers, majors typically start around $60,000–$75,000, which is significantly higher than regional airlines where pay often starts at $40,000. These figures are often bolstered by union-negotiated contracts (like those with the PAFCA), making major carriers the most sought-after employers in the 2026 dispatch job market.