Call center operator vs representative

The differences between call center operators and representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a call center operator, becoming a representative takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a representative has an average salary of $36,023, which is higher than the $31,022 average annual salary of a call center operator.

The top three skills for a call center operator include strong customer service, patients and data entry. The most important skills for a representative are cleanliness, patients, and customer issues.

Call center operator vs representative overview

	Call Center Operator	Representative
Yearly salary	$31,022	$36,023
Hourly rate	$14.91	$17.32
Growth rate	-4%	-4%
Number of jobs	215,083	252,761
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 36%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age	53	40
Years of experience	2	12

What does a call center operator do?

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.

What does a representative do?

Representatives are lawmakers who represent the people in a specific district. They run for office to represent their districts in their hometown or their current place of living. Representatives are usually charismatic and good communicators. These characteristics are especially important during campaign and election periods. Representatives should be able to capture the hearts of the voters through their planned projects and advocacies. They are then elected by their constituents. Upon election, representatives author bills that will eventually be passed into law should it be approved by the majority of the congress. They also vote on the passage of bills authored by other representatives. They also participate in discussions and debates regarding different bills, issues, and laws. Representatives are expected to vote according to their conscience and in consideration of the voice of their constituents.

Call center operator vs representative salary

Call center operators and representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Call Center Operator	Representative
Average salary	$31,022	$36,023
Salary range	Between $22,000 And $42,000	Between $23,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City	Vacaville, CA	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	New York	New York
Best paying company	Brigham and Women's Hospital	Google
Best paying industry	Media	Transportation

Differences between call center operator and representative education

There are a few differences between a call center operator and a representative in terms of educational background:

	Call Center Operator	Representative
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 36%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Call center operator vs representative demographics

Here are the differences between call center operators' and representatives' demographics:

	Call Center Operator	Representative
Average age	53	40
Gender ratio	Male, 26.6% Female, 73.4%	Male, 41.8% Female, 58.2%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 7.5% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	19%	7%

Differences between call center operator and representative duties and responsibilities

Call center operator example responsibilities.

Manage confidential documents and records with strict compliance to HIPAA.
Manage patient's records and make sure they are protected under the HIPPA laws.
Page all Dr's and staff when need.
Comply with HIPAA regulations at all times.
Create daily reports to monitor patient census, food allergies and nutritional plans.
Oversee scheduling, re-scheduling, and input appointment information into the systems EMR.

Show more

Representative example responsibilities.

Manage fitting rooms and recover the department, while providing exceptional customer service and offering rewards and POS options.
Manage physical portfolio with necessary derivatives to mitigate risk within company guidelines.
Conduct telephone sales and interviews, compile and enter information into database, manage documents and insure customer satisfaction.
Review EOB denials, appeals and/or rebilling as appropriate.
Certify of all requirements, policies, and procedures, including MSB.
Take inbound phone calls from member and providers explaining the EOB denial and payments

Show more

Call center operator vs representative skills

Common call center operator skills

Strong Customer Service, 50%
Patients, 10%
Data Entry, 5%
Customer Service, 5%
Phone Calls, 4%
Telephone Calls, 3%

Common representative skills

Cleanliness, 20%
Patients, 11%
Customer Issues, 10%
Customer Service, 10%
Data Entry, 6%
Outbound Calls, 3%

Call Center Operator vs. similar jobs

Call Center Operator related careers

Call Center Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z