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The differences between call center operators and virtual assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a call center operator and a virtual assistant. Additionally, a virtual assistant has an average salary of $39,915, 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 virtual assistant are data entry, customer service, and email management.
| Call Center Operator | Virtual Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $31,022 | $39,915 |
| Hourly rate | $14.91 | $19.19 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 215,083 | 49,508 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Average age | 53 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
Virtual Assistants are remote workers who work with clients that need assistance. They usually do administrative or clerical activities such as managing soft copies of a document, writing e-mail correspondences, managing calendars, scheduling appointments, and other activities. They manage the e-mail of their clients and respond to inquiries and other messages. They also manage phone calls by answering calls, taking messages, and dialing for their clients. Virtual Assistants may also be asked to handle travel-related tasks of their clients, such as creating itineraries, booking flights, and booking hotels.
Call center operators and virtual assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Call Center Operator | Virtual Assistant | |
| Average salary | $31,022 | $39,915 |
| Salary range | Between $22,000 And $42,000 | Between $29,000 And $54,000 |
| Highest paying City | Vacaville, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New York | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Brigham and Women's Hospital | IBM |
| Best paying industry | Media | Professional |
There are a few differences between a call center operator and a virtual assistant in terms of educational background:
| Call Center Operator | Virtual Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between call center operators' and virtual assistants' demographics:
| Call Center Operator | Virtual Assistant | |
| Average age | 53 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 26.6% Female, 73.4% | Male, 12.4% Female, 87.6% |
| 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, 9.1% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 19% | 6% |