Communications operator vs pbx operator

The differences between communications operators and pbx 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 pbx operator. Additionally, a communications operator has an average salary of $31,491, which is higher than the $29,942 average annual salary of a pbx operator.

The top three skills for a communications operator include patients, customer service and emergency situations. The most important skills for a pbx operator are customer service, patients, and emergency codes.

Communications operator vs pbx operator overview

	Communications Operator	PBX Operator
Yearly salary	$31,491	$29,942
Hourly rate	$15.14	$14.40
Growth rate	4%	-
Number of jobs	48,509	30,866
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	High School Diploma, 33%
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 pbx operator do?

A PBX operator is an individual who works in an office environment and is responsible for answering incoming calls and transferring calls to other individuals within the organization. PBX operators are required to provide excellent customer service and must handle basic questions of customers, such as hours of operation, directions, and direct phone numbers for individuals and departments. They should know how to use the private branch exchange switchboard that can include new connections for long-distance and transmit messages. PBX operators must also perform various tasks such as typing, checking, and recording information.

Communications operator vs pbx operator salary

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

	Communications Operator	PBX Operator
Average salary	$31,491	$29,942
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $40,000	Between $24,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	North Dakota
Best paying company	City of Round Rock	Colusa Casino Resort
Best paying industry	Government	Hospitality

Differences between communications operator and pbx operator education

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

	Communications Operator	PBX Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	High School Diploma, 33%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Communications operator vs pbx operator demographics

Here are the differences between communications operators' and pbx operators' demographics:

	Communications Operator	PBX Operator
Average age	53	53
Gender ratio	Male, 39.6% Female, 60.4%	Male, 14.5% Female, 85.5%
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, 14.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 3.2% White, 59.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	19%	19%

Differences between communications operator and pbx 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 ,

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Pbx operator example responsibilities.

Manage incoming calls from switchboard and delivery of accurate messages to appropriate individuals in timely manner
Process all guest reservations including guest follow up obtaining all necessary information and accurately entering it into computer system.
Utilize the features of the PBX consoles, headsets, telephones and other relate equipment.
Direct call to guest rooms, staff, or departments through the switchboard or PBX system.
Deliver patient messages, up holding HIPAA standards, and perform special projects assign by multiple departments.
Operate a multi-line telephone console system, alerting system and TDD system for the deaf and hearing-impair.

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Communications operator vs pbx operator skills

Common communications operator skills

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

Common pbx operator skills

Customer Service, 21%
Patients, 18%
Emergency Codes, 7%
Reservations, 6%
Front Desk, 5%
Phone Calls, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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