What Do Switchboard Operator Do?
Job Description & Duties Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.
Daily Life Of a Switchboard Operator
- Process incoming or outgoing mail, packages, or deliveries.
- Place telephone calls or arrange conference calls as instructed.
- Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
- Perform administrative tasks, such as accepting orders, scheduling appointments or meeting rooms, or sending and receiving faxes.
- Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
- Contact security staff members when necessary, using radio-telephones.
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Switchboard Operator Skills
These are the skills Switchboard Operators say are the most useful in their careers:
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Other Switchboard Operator Job Titles
- Test Operator
- PBX Operator (Private Branch Exchange Operator)
- Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
- Operators Teacher
- Switchboard Operator
Job Demand for Switchboard Operators
There were about 93,200 jobs for Switchboard Operator in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Switchboard Operator. There will be an estimated 9,000 positions for Switchboard Operator per year.
The states with the most job growth for Switchboard Operator are Maryland, Alaska, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in New Mexico, North Dakota, or Colorado. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Switchboard Operator Salary
The salary for Switchboard Operators ranges between about $21,040 and $44,640 a year.
Switchboard Operators who work in Hawaii, District of Columbia, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Switchboard Operators make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $24,570 |
Alaska | $35,240 |
Arizona | $28,940 |
Arkansas | $26,090 |
California | $36,160 |
Colorado | $30,400 |
Connecticut | $42,920 |
Delaware | $29,090 |
District of Columbia | $41,390 |
Florida | $28,020 |
Georgia | $30,700 |
Hawaii | $41,250 |
Idaho | $29,070 |
Illinois | $33,830 |
Indiana | $28,550 |
Iowa | $28,850 |
Kansas | $28,150 |
Kentucky | $23,950 |
Louisiana | $27,180 |
Maine | $28,850 |
Maryland | $31,340 |
Massachusetts | $34,560 |
Michigan | $31,560 |
Minnesota | $35,770 |
Mississippi | $25,150 |
Missouri | $30,790 |
Montana | $27,120 |
Nebraska | $30,930 |
Nevada | $31,430 |
New Hampshire | $31,820 |
New Jersey | $32,830 |
New Mexico | $29,580 |
New York | $38,020 |
North Carolina | $28,290 |
North Dakota | $31,900 |
Ohio | $28,070 |
Oklahoma | $27,640 |
Oregon | $37,170 |
Pennsylvania | $29,200 |
Rhode Island | $32,090 |
South Carolina | $27,270 |
Tennessee | $28,980 |
Texas | $27,320 |
Utah | $26,430 |
Vermont | $30,380 |
Virginia | $28,350 |
Washington | $34,740 |
West Virginia | $27,120 |
Wisconsin | $31,580 |
Wyoming | $30,550 |
What Tools do Switchboard Operators Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Switchboard Operators:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- IBM Notes
How to Become a Switchboard Operator
What kind of Switchboard Operator requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Switchboard Operators Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Switchboard Operators work:
Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Switchboard Operator may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Switchboard Operator sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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