Dispatcher Total Compensation
From 2015 to 2023, UP train dispatchers’ average pay increases exceed union-represented Class 1 train dispatchers. During these last nine years, UP dispatchers’ average wage increase was equal to or greater than union-represented dispatcher increases in 6 of the 9 years.
Although UP doesn’t often refer to averages because each management employee is paid on merit, it’s useful to consider averages in the context of compensation.
The average total compensation (includes salary, bonus and equity) for a Union Pacific train dispatcher as of March 1, 2023 is $129,950, which is higher than the estimated Class 1 union-represented train dispatcher average total compensation as of July 1, 2023 of $126,489.
After adding in the value of the employee benefits UP provides to each train dispatcher, the total rewards (compensation and benefits) package for UP dispatchers is significantly more valuable than union-represented train dispatcher compensation and benefits.
As shown in the table, when compared to Class 1 union-represented train dispatcher offerings, UP train dispatchers receive significantly richer benefits for retirement plans, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance/AD&D. In addition, UP’s medical benefits are very competitive with union-represented medical benefits.
Merit Increase Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Union Pacific Average Merit Increases | Negotiated General Wage Increases |
| 2024 | Pending | 4.50 |
| 2023 | 5.03 | 4.00 |
| 2022 | 8.99 | 7.00 |
| 2021 | 1.56 | 3.50 |
| 2020 | 2.30 | 3.00 |
| 2019 | 2.51 | 3.00 |
| 2018 | 2.50 | 2.50 |
| 2017 | 2.46 | 2.00 |
| 2016 | 2.93 | 2.00 |
| 2015 | 4.00 | 3.00 |
2023 Total Compensation Comparison | ||
| Union Pacific Train Dispatchers | Union-Represented Train Dispatchers | |
| Average Salary | $118,176 (1) as of March 1, 2023 | $126,489 (2) as of July 1, 2023 |
| Average Total Pay (incl. bonus & equity) | $129,950 as of March 1, 2023 | $127,489 as of July 1, 2023 |
Annual H&W Premium (3) | $865/$3,912 | $3,711 |
| Union Dues | None | $1,404 (4) |
| Pension/401(k) (hired prior to 1/1/18) | Pension & Match 50% up to 6% | No |
| Comprehensive 401(k) (hired 1/1/18 or after) | Match 100% up to 6% & additional 3% UP contribution | No |
| Short-Term Disability | 75%–100% of pay up to 6 months | Sick days negotiated |
| Long-Term Disability | Core benefits at 50% of base salary buyup to 62% of base salary + bonus | None |
| H&W Benefits (single/family) | Choice of HDHPs or PPO | MMCP or CHCB (in certain locations) |
| Savings Accounts | HSA | FSA |
| Best Case Cost (5) | ($864)/$480 | $3,711 |
| Worst Case Cost (5) | $4,136/$10,480 | $6,061/$8,411 |
| Life Insurance | Up to $50,000 free option to buy 8x pay; buy spouse and child coverage | $20,000 free |
| AD&D | Up to $50,000 free option to buy 8x pay | $16,000 free |
| Early Retiree Medical (hired prior to 1/1/04) | Yes | Yes |
| Lifetime Maximum Per Person | $2,000,000 | $188,000 |
(1) Average for dispatchers eligible for end of year merit increases effective March, 1 2023.
(2) 2021average of all NCCC carriers (excluding UP) adjusted for negotiated general wage increases through July 1, 2023.
(3) Nonagreement figures is weighted average of HDHP1, HDHP2, PPO plus dental and vision.
(4) 2020 estimated Union Dues
(5) Assumes HDHP1 for nonagreement and MMCP for agreement, i.e. largest enrollments.