Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

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Career Profile

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

What they do

Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.

Also Called: CBX Operator (Computerized Branch Exchange Operator), Central Communications Specialist, Communications Operator, Communications Specialist, Information Specialist, PBX Operator (Private Branch Exchange Operator), Switchboard Operator (SB Operator), Switchboard Receptionist (SB Receptionist), Telecommunications Clerk, Telecommunications Operator, CBX Operator (Computerized Branch Exchange Operator), Central Communications Specialist, Communications Operator, Communications Specialist, Information Specialist, PBX Operator (Private Branch Exchange Operator), Switchboard Operator (SB Operator), Switchboard Receptionist (SB Receptionist), Telecommunications Clerk, Telecommunications Operator

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$29,990
Starting Salary (2025)
$38,630
Median Salary (2025)
-26.3%
Projected Job Growth
34,280
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
Relay or route written or verbal messages.
Perform various data entry or word processing tasks, such as updating phone directories, typing or proofreading documents, or creating schedules.
Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Self-Control
Stress Tolerance
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Concern for Others

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Coordination
Reading Comprehension

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

Common Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 89%
  • Post-secondary certificate 5%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 3%
  • Some college 2%
  • Less than high school 1%
  • Other 1%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.