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The differences between call center associates and call center operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a call center associate, becoming a call center operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a call center associate has an average salary of $31,363, which is higher than the $31,022 average annual salary of a call center operator.
The top three skills for a call center associate include patients, inbound calls and customer service. The most important skills for a call center operator are strong customer service, patients, and data entry.
| Call Center Associate | Call Center Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,363 | $31,022 |
| Hourly rate | $15.08 | $14.91 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 198,167 | 215,083 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 40 | 53 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
Call center associates are professionals who are responsible for taking inbound and outbound customer calls and handle responsibilities that include account inquiries, customer complaints, or product and support issues. These associates are required to provide quality assistance and customer service so that they can receive positive reviews from their customers. They must assist customers with technical support issues, which include updating product documentation and training materials. Call center associates must also accurately identify their customers' needs and objectives so that they can achieve the organization's sales goals.
A call center operator is primarily in charge of handling inbound and outbound calls in a call center, aiming to provide clients with optimal support and service. They usually answer inbound calls from clients and assist them by answering inquiries, processing requests, and even handling issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently to ensure customer satisfaction. They also make outbound calls, reaching out to potential clients to offer products and services. They usually answer inquiries, discuss product specifications, arrange payment plans, and maintain records of all transactions.
Call center associates and call center operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Call Center Associate | Call Center Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,363 | $31,022 |
| Salary range | Between $22,000 And $43,000 | Between $22,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Albany, NY | Vacaville, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | New York |
| Best paying company | Spectrum | Brigham and Women's Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Media |
There are a few differences between a call center associate and a call center operator in terms of educational background:
| Call Center Associate | Call Center Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between call center associates' and call center operators' demographics:
| Call Center Associate | Call Center Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 53 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 35.0% Female, 65.0% | Male, 26.6% Female, 73.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 6.3% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 14.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 3.4% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 19% |