Communications operator vs call center operator

The differences between communications operators and call center operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a communications operator and a call center operator. Additionally, a communications operator has an average salary of $31,491, which is higher than the $31,022 average annual salary of a call center operator.

The top three skills for a communications operator include patients, customer service and emergency situations. The most important skills for a call center operator are strong customer service, patients, and data entry.

Communications operator vs call center operator overview

	Communications Operator	Call Center Operator
Yearly salary	$31,491	$31,022
Hourly rate	$15.14	$14.91
Growth rate	4%	-4%
Number of jobs	48,509	215,083
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age	53	53
Years of experience	2	2

What does a communications operator do?

A communications operator is responsible for receiving incoming calls from customers and clients and transferring them to the appropriate department for their needs and concerns. Communications operators perform administrative duties, such as organizing directory, updating customers' information on the database, and pulling-up reports. They also help agents in responding to the customers' inquiries and processing their requests. A communications operator must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in documenting calls for audits and references.

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.

Communications operator vs call center operator salary

Communications operators and call center operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Communications Operator	Call Center Operator
Average salary	$31,491	$31,022
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $40,000	Between $22,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Vacaville, CA
Highest paying state	California	New York
Best paying company	City of Round Rock	Brigham and Women's Hospital
Best paying industry	Government	Media

Differences between communications operator and call center operator education

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

	Communications Operator	Call Center Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Communications operator vs call center operator demographics

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

	Communications Operator	Call Center Operator
Average age	53	53
Gender ratio	Male, 39.6% Female, 60.4%	Male, 26.6% Female, 73.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 14.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 3.8% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%	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	19%	19%

Differences between communications operator and call center operator duties and responsibilities

Communications operator example responsibilities.

Manage busy company switchboard, operating PBX or private branch exchange systems to facilitate connections.
Perform NCIC, DMV, warrant and missing person checks for police officers in the field.
Supervise telecommunication operations and reinforce the confidentiality in telecommunications.
Dispatch ambulances, tow trucks, fire department, aid cars, and other aid as requested, maintain appropriate record.
Utilize``new media,``including blogging, a collective photo site, intellipedia, and instant messaging.
Work dispatch for DPS Pecos and DPS San Angelo ,

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.

Communications operator vs call center operator skills

Common communications operator skills

Patients, 14%
Customer Service, 14%
Emergency Situations, 6%
PBX, 5%
Public Safety, 4%
Non-Emergency Calls, 4%

Common call center operator skills

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

Communications Operator vs. similar jobs

Communications Operator related careers

Communications Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Office and Administrative Industry
Communications Operator
Communications Operator vs Call Center Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs