Life As a Switchboard Operator
Example of Switchboard Operator Job Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.
Life As a Switchboard Operator
- Keep records of calls placed and charges incurred.
- Perform various data entry or word processing tasks, such as updating phone directories, typing or proofreading documents, or creating schedules.
- Monitor alarm systems to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
- Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
- Answer simple questions about clients’ businesses, using reference files.
- Relay or route written or verbal messages.
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Qualities of a Switchboard Operator
Switchboard Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Telephone Switchboard Operator
- Police District Switchboard Operator
- Test Operator
- CBX Operator
- Traffic Observer
Switchboard Operator Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 93,200 jobs in the United States for Switchboard Operator. 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.
Salary for a Switchboard Operator
The typical yearly salary for Switchboard Operators is somewhere between $21,040 and $44,640.

Switchboard Operators who work in Hawaii, District of Columbia, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Switchboard Operators make in each U.S. state?
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Switchboard Operators
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 education is needed to be a Switchboard Operator?

What work experience do I need to become a Switchboard Operator?

Where Switchboard Operators Are Employed

The table below shows the approximate number of Switchboard Operators employed by various industries.

Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Switchboard Operator might also be interested in the following careers:
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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