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What is a switch operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a switch operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $22.63 an hour? That's $47,066 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -2% and produce -1,500 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSwitch OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.7

Avg. Salary $47,066

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
8.5

Growth Rate -2%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.38%

Asian 5.73%

Black or African American 16.34%

Hispanic or Latino 19.77%

Unknown 4.07%

White 52.72%

Gender

female 15.97%

male 84.03%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress Level
8.5

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.3

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
2.6

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

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Switch Operator career paths

Key steps to become a switch operator

  1. Explore switch operator education requirements

    Most common switch operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    33.7 %

    Bachelor's

    29.4 %

    Associate

    27.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific switch operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Switches15.34%
    Encryption15.21%
    Telecommunication13.93%
    Hand Tools12.86%
    Rail Cars9.48%
  3. Complete relevant switch operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New switch operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a switch operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real switch operator resumes.
  4. Research switch operator duties and responsibilities

    • Supervise a team of ten soldiers in the day-to-day operations of a commercial SL-100 Nortel telephone switch.
    • Provide gateway for both LAN and X.25 subscribers.
    • Insure technicians obtain proper training through NORTEL training courses.
    • Interpret computer printouts to troubleshoot, repair, and replace faulty line replaceable units.
  5. Prepare your switch operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your switch operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a switch operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Switch Operator Resume templates

    Build a professional Switch Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Switch Operator resume.
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    Switch Operator Resume
  6. Apply for switch operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a switch operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Switch Operator Job

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Average switch operator salary

The average Switch Operator salary in the United States is $47,066 per year or $23 per hour. Switch operator salaries range between $25,000 and $87,000 per year.

Average Switch Operator Salary
$47,066 Yearly
$22.63 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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