Switchboard Operators
O*NET title: Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
Also called: Switchboard Operators
Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.
Also called: Answering Service Telephone Operator, CBX Operator (Computerized Branch Exchange Operator), Central Communications Specialist, Combination Operator, Command and Control Specialist, Communication Center Operator
Median pay
$38,630
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$29,990 – $59,470
People employed
34,280
Holland code
CRE
Conventional · Realistic · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 2.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 5.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 6.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 7.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 8.Do you prefer working indoors?
The hard parts
- Dealing with conflict is part of the job
Switchboard Operators pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What switchboard operators do
- 01Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
- 02Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
- 03Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
- 04Monitor alarm systems to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
- 05Contact security staff members when necessary, using radio-telephones.
- 06Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from switchboard operators
- Office Clerks, General92% · +17%
- Receptionists and Information Clerks91% · −2%
- Public Safety Telecommunicators88% · +37%
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive87% · +23%
- Customer Service Representatives85% · +16%
Change into switchboard operators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Receptionists and Information Clerks91% · $38,010
- Office Clerks, General86% · $45,010
- Cashiers80% · $32,880
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks80% · $35,070
- File Clerks79% · $43,600