What job is better paying - a 911 Operator or a Dispatcher?

I would like to switch careers into emergency services. I was wondering who gets paid more - 911 Operators or Dispatchers? Which job has more job requirements / experience requirements? Which job is higher ranked?

Kristen, many agencies combine the two. At my agency I am both at the same time. Not all 911 centers separate the two positions.

Agencies may require experience, or they may not. That will not depend on the individual position. It depends on the agency. Pay also varies.

You really need to call around and ask the agencies you are interested in working at do a sit-a-long in their 911 center to make sure this is something you CAN and WANT to do. That is also where you can get answers to your questions. Unless you name a agency, no one can really answer your general questions.

Very true many times they are 1 in the same. when you dial 911 you 1st talk to the local PD department. In some cities the PD dept and Fire Department calls go into the same call center. I work for a LARGE City Fire Department we ONLY take Medical emergencies and Fire calls. Check around. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/accuse_write?qid=20070930090449AAL3oJ5&kid=Frd6W0rFWXIwEJZPvKTf&s=comm&date=2009-04-10+05%3A30%3A46&.crumb=

Try doing a salry search on yahoo hotjobs and your zip code. if i knew your zip I would have done it.