Communications operator vs switchboard operator, receptionist

The differences between communications operators and switchboard operators, receptionist 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, receptionist. Additionally, a communications operator has an average salary of $31,491, which is higher than the $25,889 average annual salary of a switchboard operator, receptionist.

The top three skills for a communications operator include patients, customer service and emergency situations. The most important skills for a switchboard operator, receptionist are greeting visitors, data entry, and customer service.

Communications operator vs switchboard operator, receptionist overview

	Communications Operator	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Yearly salary	$31,491	$25,889
Hourly rate	$15.14	$12.45
Growth rate	4%	-
Number of jobs	48,509	95,946
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	53	53
Years of experience	2	2

Communications operator vs switchboard operator, receptionist salary

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

	Communications Operator	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Average salary	$31,491	$25,889
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $40,000	Between $19,000 And $33,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Spokane Valley, WA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	City of Round Rock	Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Best paying industry	Government	Finance

Differences between communications operator and switchboard operator, receptionist education

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

	Communications Operator	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Communications operator vs switchboard operator, receptionist demographics

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

	Communications Operator	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Average age	53	53
Gender ratio	Male, 39.6% Female, 60.4%	Male, 5.8% Female, 94.2%
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, 14.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 3.8% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	19%	19%

Differences between communications operator and switchboard operator, receptionist 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, receptionist example responsibilities.

Assist office management and staff with administrative projects/responsibilities such as managing time-sensitive projects, filing, copying, and collating materials.
Operate an antique PBX switchboard, in charge of petty cash and responsible for receipt of incoming funds.
Operate PBX switchboard and develop procedure manuals to ensure consistency.
Assist office management and staff with administrative projects/responsibilities such as managing time-sensitive projects, filing, copying, and collating materials.
Answer switchboard calls; utilizing effective communication and listening skills.
Serve as face-of- company while receiving in-person visitors and directing incoming calls via switchboard.

Communications operator vs switchboard operator, receptionist 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, receptionist skills

Greeting Visitors, 16%
Data Entry, 13%
Customer Service, 12%
Front Desk, 7%
Scheduling Appointments, 5%
Telephone Calls, 4%

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Communications Operator
Communications Operator vs Switchboard Operator, Receptionist

Updated January 8, 2025

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