Life As a 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.
List of Switchboard Operator Job Duties
- Process incoming or outgoing mail, packages, or deliveries.
- Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
- Perform various cash handling tasks, such as collecting payments, making bank deposits, or managing petty cash.
- Keep records of calls placed and charges incurred.
- Relay or route written or verbal messages.
- Stamp messages with time and date and file them appropriately.
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Switchboard Operator Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Switchboard Operators say are important on the job.
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
- Police District Switchboard Operator
- Private Branch Exchange Service Adviser
- Communication Center Operator
- Telephone Operator
- Communication Coordinator
Are There Job Opportunities for Switchboard Operators?
In the United States, there were 93,200 jobs for Switchboard Operator in 2016. 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 Average 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 & Technology 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 do I Become a Switchboard Operator?
What education is needed to be a Switchboard Operator?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Switchboard Operator?

Switchboard Operators Sector

Below are examples of industries where Switchboard Operators work:

You May Also Be Interested In…
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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