Service operator vs switchboard operator, receptionist

The differences between service 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 service operator and a switchboard operator, receptionist. Additionally, a service operator has an average salary of $36,971, which is higher than the $25,889 average annual salary of a switchboard operator, receptionist.

The top three skills for a service operator include customer service, food handling and emergency calls. The most important skills for a switchboard operator, receptionist are greeting visitors, data entry, and customer service.

Service operator vs switchboard operator, receptionist overview

	Service Operator	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Yearly salary	$36,971	$25,889
Hourly rate	$17.77	$12.45
Growth rate	-4%	-
Number of jobs	87,078	95,946
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 34%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	53	53
Years of experience	2	2

Service operator vs switchboard operator, receptionist salary

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

	Service Operator	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Average salary	$36,971	$25,889
Salary range	Between $19,000 And $71,000	Between $19,000 And $33,000
Highest paying City	Mountain View, CA	Spokane Valley, WA
Highest paying state	New York	Washington
Best paying company	Google	Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Best paying industry	-	Finance

Differences between service operator and switchboard operator, receptionist education

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

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

Service operator vs switchboard operator, receptionist demographics

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

	Service Operator	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Average age	53	53
Gender ratio	Male, 50.1% Female, 49.9%	Male, 5.8% Female, 94.2%
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, 14.6% 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 service operator and switchboard operator, receptionist duties and responsibilities

Service operator example responsibilities.

Manage incoming calls from patients and medical professionals by utilizing telephonic paging system and manual messaging.
Train to be CDL certify by PVTA.
Comply with HIPAA standards and procedures.
Operate and drive commercial HAZMAT liquid nitrogen transports.
Operate CDL trucks in a safe manner to and from location.
Hang drywall, painting; install windows, plumbing, and walls.

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.

Service operator vs switchboard operator, receptionist skills

Common service operator skills

Customer Service, 19%
Food Handling, 18%
Emergency Calls, 9%
CDL, 7%
Inbound Calls, 4%
Service Calls, 3%

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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Office and Administrative Industry
Service Operator
Service Operator vs Switchboard Operator, Receptionist

Updated January 8, 2025

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