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The differences between service 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 service operator and a call center operator. Additionally, a service operator has an average salary of $36,971, which is higher than the $31,022 average annual salary of a call center operator.
The top three skills for a service operator include customer service, food handling and emergency calls. The most important skills for a call center operator are strong customer service, patients, and data entry.
| Service Operator | Call Center Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,971 | $31,022 |
| Hourly rate | $17.77 | $14.91 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 87,078 | 215,083 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 53 | 53 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A service operator is responsible for providing the best customer service by responding to the callers' inquiries and concerns, depending on which business they are employed. Service operators process callers' requests by directing them to specific resources or coordinate with the appropriate person to resolve callers' issues. They also keep an organized record of resolutions for the business reference, as well as for immediate callbacks as needed. A service operator must have excellent knowledge of the industry they are working for, as well as impeccable communication skills to verify and address the callers' needs.
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.
Service operators and call center operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Service Operator | Call Center Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,971 | $31,022 |
| Salary range | Between $19,000 And $71,000 | Between $22,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | Vacaville, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | New York |
| Best paying company | Brigham and Women's Hospital | |
| Best paying industry | - | Media |
There are a few differences between a service operator and a call center operator in terms of educational background:
| Service Operator | Call Center Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between service operators' and call center operators' demographics:
| Service Operator | Call Center Operator | |
| Average age | 53 | 53 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 50.1% Female, 49.9% | Male, 26.6% Female, 73.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 14.2% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 3.5% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | 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% |