What Does it Take to Be a Switchboard Operator?
Occupation Description 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
- Complete forms for sales orders.
- 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.
- Place telephone calls or arrange conference calls as instructed.
- Relay or route written or verbal messages.
- Process incoming or outgoing mail, packages, or deliveries.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Switchboard Operator?
When polled, Switchboard Operators say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Types of Switchboard Operator
- Command and Control Specialist
- Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
- Desk Operator
- Communication Coordinator
- Complaint 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.
Switchboard Operator Salary
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 |
What Tools do Switchboard Operators Use?
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
Individuals working as a Switchboard Operator have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Switchboard Operator?
Who Employs Switchboard Operators?
Below are examples of industries where Switchboard Operators work:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Switchboard Operator might also be interested in the following careers:
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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