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The differences between service 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 service operator and a switchboard operator. Additionally, a service operator has an average salary of $36,971, which is higher than the $31,281 average annual salary of a switchboard operator.
The top three skills for a service operator include customer service, food handling and emergency calls. The most important skills for a switchboard operator are customer service, patients, and phone calls.
| Service Operator | Switchboard Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,971 | $31,281 |
| Hourly rate | $17.77 | $15.04 |
| Growth rate | -4% | - |
| Number of jobs | 87,078 | 39,152 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| 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.
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.
Service operators and switchboard operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Service Operator | Switchboard Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,971 | $31,281 |
| Salary range | Between $19,000 And $71,000 | Between $25,000 And $38,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | California |
| Best paying company | Sentry | |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a service operator and a switchboard operator in terms of educational background:
| Service Operator | Switchboard Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between service operators' and switchboard operators' demographics:
| Service Operator | Switchboard Operator | |
| Average age | 53 | 53 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 50.1% Female, 49.9% | Male, 13.2% Female, 86.8% |
| 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, 14.9% 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% |