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Switchboard Operator

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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.

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.

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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.

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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?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Switchboard Operators Are Employed

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Below are examples of industries where Switchboard Operators work:

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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:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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