Switch operator vs operator

The differences between switch operators and operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a switch operator has an average salary of $47,066, which is higher than the $37,928 average annual salary of an operator.

The top three skills for a switch operator include switches, encryption and telecommunication. The most important skills for an operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.

Switch operator vs operator overview

	Switch Operator	Operator
Yearly salary	$47,066	$37,928
Hourly rate	$22.63	$18.23
Growth rate	-2%	7%
Number of jobs	25,666	159,077
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	47	43
Years of experience	-	4

Switch operator vs operator salary

Switch operators and operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Switch Operator	Operator
Average salary	$47,066	$37,928
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $87,000	Between $27,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	-	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	-	North Dakota
Best paying company	-	Microsoft
Best paying industry	-	Technology

Differences between switch operator and operator education

There are a few differences between a switch operator and an operator in terms of educational background:

	Switch Operator	Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Switch operator vs operator demographics

Here are the differences between switch operators' and operators' demographics:

	Switch Operator	Operator
Average age	47	43
Gender ratio	Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0%	Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 16.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.7% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%	Black or African American, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	21%	4%

Differences between switch operator and operator duties and responsibilities

Switch operator example 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.
Set up data networks/wires in buildings to have computers and VOIP phones link together.
Perform monthly evaluations and provide network training and orientation to new soldiers and DOD contractors.

Operator example responsibilities.

Assist in developing the company s short and long term training plans and managing yearly ammunition allocation.
Assist and manage the extrusion process of polyester raw material in pellet or chip form to produce finish rolls of plastic.
Manage day-to-day transportation and logistics services for multinational account base.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Job require basic math skills: fractions and decimals.
Ensure safety of all equipment during production in compliance with strict OSHA and safety regulations.

Switch operator vs operator skills

Common switch operator skills

Switches, 15%
Encryption, 15%
Telecommunication, 14%
Hand Tools, 13%
Rail Cars, 9%
Secret Security Clearance, 5%

Common operator skills

Safety Procedures, 15%
CDL, 6%
Emergency Calls, 6%
Preventative Maintenance, 4%
Quality Checks, 4%
Dozer, 4%

Updated January 8, 2025

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