Communications operator vs switchboard operator

The differences between communications operators and switchboard 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 switchboard operator. Additionally, a communications operator has an average salary of $31,491, which is higher than the $31,281 average annual salary of a switchboard operator.

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

Communications operator vs switchboard operator overview

	Communications Operator	Switchboard Operator
Yearly salary	$31,491	$31,281
Hourly rate	$15.14	$15.04
Growth rate	4%	-
Number of jobs	48,509	39,152
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	High School Diploma, 31%
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 switchboard operator do?

Switchboard operators work to assist callers in huge hospitals, hotels, and companies. The operators answer calls and route them to the necessary department or person to address their concerns. They perform clerical and administrative tasks like copying, receiving packages, and filing documents. Among the skills to become a good switchboard operator include attention to details, communication skills, and understanding of troubleshooting systems in communication. They should also have strong communication skills, clear speech and listening skills, and excellent customer service.

Communications operator vs switchboard operator salary

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

	Communications Operator	Switchboard Operator
Average salary	$31,491	$31,281
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $40,000	Between $25,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	City of Round Rock	Sentry
Best paying industry	Government	Manufacturing

Differences between communications operator and switchboard operator education

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

	Communications Operator	Switchboard Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	High School Diploma, 31%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Communications operator vs switchboard operator demographics

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

	Communications Operator	Switchboard Operator
Average age	53	53
Gender ratio	Male, 39.6% Female, 60.4%	Male, 13.2% Female, 86.8%
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, 14.9% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 3.9% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	19%	19%

Differences between communications operator and switchboard 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 ,

Switchboard operator example responsibilities.

Develop QA survey to improve client satisfaction.
Compile inmate reports for payroll.
Assign new employee payroll numbers.
Connect customers with patients, doctors, and administrators and assist with emergency announcements
Confirm appointments and communicate any changes or cancellations to all patients and administration personnel.
Supervise telecommunication operations and reinforce the confidentiality in telecommunications.

Communications operator vs switchboard operator skills

Common communications operator skills

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

Common switchboard operator skills

Customer Service, 22%
Patients, 21%
Phone Calls, 7%
Transferring Calls, 4%
External Calls, 4%
Multi-Line Phone System, 3%

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Office and Administrative Industry
Communications Operator
Communications Operator vs Switchboard Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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