Life As a Switchboard Operator
Switchboard Operator Job Description 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
- Contact security staff members when necessary, using radio-telephones.
- Keep records of calls placed and charges incurred.
- Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
- Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.
- Perform various data entry or word processing tasks, such as updating phone directories, typing or proofreading documents, or creating schedules.
- Place orders, such as for equipment, supplies, or catering for meetings.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Switchboard Operator?
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.
Related Job Titles
- Police District Switchboard Operator
- Switching Clerk
- Traffic Observer
- Telegraph Office Telephone Clerk
- Telecommunications Operator
Are There Job Opportunities for Switchboard Operators?
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. The BLS estimates 9,000 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Do Switchboard Operators Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Switchboard Operator ranges 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
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Switchboard Operators may use on a daily basis:
- 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
Learn what Switchboard Operator education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Switchboard Operator?

Where do Switchboard Operators Work?

Switchboard Operators work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Switchboard Operator may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Switchboard Operator in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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