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The differences between call center specialists 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 specialist, becoming a call center operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a call center specialist has an average salary of $33,289, which is higher than the $31,022 average annual salary of a call center operator.
The top three skills for a call center specialist include strong customer service, patients and customer service. The most important skills for a call center operator are strong customer service, patients, and data entry.
| Call Center Specialist | Call Center Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $33,289 | $31,022 |
| Hourly rate | $16.00 | $14.91 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 228,936 | 215,083 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 40 | 53 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
A call center specialist is responsible for providing the customers with the highest quality service by responding to their inquiries and concerns and resolving their complaints. Call center specialists assist the customers in taking their orders, processing payments, and verifying transaction details. They may also sell new goods and services to the customers according to their needs and budget limitations to generate more revenue resources for the business and enhance the brand's image. A call center specialist must have excellent communication and computer skills to navigate databases and update customer's information accurately.
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 specialists and call center operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Call Center Specialist | Call Center Operator | |
| Average salary | $33,289 | $31,022 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $43,000 | Between $22,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | Vacaville, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | New York |
| Best paying company | Hospice of Marion County | Brigham and Women's Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Media |
There are a few differences between a call center specialist and a call center operator in terms of educational background:
| Call Center Specialist | Call Center Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between call center specialists' and call center operators' demographics:
| Call Center Specialist | Call Center Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 53 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 30.7% Female, 69.3% | Male, 26.6% Female, 73.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 6.4% White, 56.5% 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% |