Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

SOC code 43-2011 · O*NET-SOC 43-2011.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Office and administration

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$38,630

a year

Hourly

$18.57

per hour

10th$29,990Median$38,63090th$59,470

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$42,300

$20.34 per hour

Middle 50%

$34,820 – $46,530

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$29,990 – $59,470

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

34,280

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $29,990; $14.42/hr
25th percentile: $34,820; $16.74/hr
Median percentile: $38,630; $18.57/hr
75th percentile: $46,530; $22.37/hr
90th percentile: $59,470; $28.59/hr

What do switchboard operators, including answering service do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
Monitor alarm systems to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
Contact security staff members when necessary, using radio-telephones.
Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location.
Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.
Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 89% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)89%
Post-Secondary Certificate5%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate3%
Some College Courses2%

Common questions

How much does a switchboard operators, including answering service earn?

The national median is $38,630 a year. The full range runs from $29,990 at the 10th percentile to $59,470 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a switchboard operators, including answering service without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening4.0/5
Speaking3.9/5
Reading Comprehension3.0/5
Monitoring2.9/5
Writing2.8/5
Critical Thinking2.8/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
English Language3.9/5
Administrative3.7/5
Computers and Electronics3.5/5
Telecommunications3.3/5
Administration and Management2.8/5
Communications and Media2.7/5
Public Safety and Security2.5/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Coordination, Time Management.