Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service: Salary, Career Path, and 2024-2034 Job Outlook
Switchboard operators — including those in answering services — earn a median salary of $38,630 per year, according to 2024 BLS data. The mean wage is $42,300, or about $19 per hour. Most operators earn between $29,990 (10th percentile) and $59,470 (90th percentile).
How much Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service earn
The national median salary for switchboard operators is $38,630. The lowest-paid 10% make around $29,990, while the top 10% earn $59,470 or more. Full-time work translates to roughly $19 per hour at the mean rate.
Pay by state
Pay varies widely. The highest-paying state is Hawaii, where operators average $59,860 per year. Other top states: District of Columbia ($54,700), California ($48,840), Washington ($47,800), and Minnesota ($47,430). On the lower end, Texas averages $33,620, Alabama $32,210, and Mississippi $30,520.
How to become Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training lasting a few weeks is typical. Certification is not required, but good communication skills and typing ability help. Some community colleges offer telecommunications courses, but a degree is not necessary.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Apply for entry-level positions at call centers, hospitals, hotels, or answering services.
- Complete employer-provided training (usually 1-4 weeks) on switchboard equipment and software.
- Consider professional certification like the Certified Communications Operator (CCO) from the Association of TeleServices International (optional).
Job outlook
Employment for switchboard operators is projected to shrink 26.3% from 2024 to 2034, a steep decline driven by automated systems and voicemail. Despite this, about 2,800 openings per year are expected due to workers retiring or leaving the field. The occupation currently employs 34,280 people in the U.S.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary range for switchboard operators?
The national range is $29,990 to $59,470 per year, with a median of $38,630.
What education do I need to become a switchboard operator?
A high school diploma is typically required. No college degree is needed.
Is the job of switchboard operator declining?
Yes. Employment is projected to decline 26.3% from 2024 to 2034, but about 2,800 openings occur annually due to turnover.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service data.