Switchboard operator vs telephone operator

The differences between switchboard operators and telephone operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a switchboard operator has an average salary of $31,281, which is higher than the $31,168 average annual salary of a telephone operator.

The top three skills for a switchboard operator include customer service, patients and phone calls. The most important skills for a telephone operator are patients, emergency calls, and customer service.

Switchboard operator vs telephone operator overview

	Switchboard Operator	Telephone Operator
Yearly salary	$31,281	$31,168
Hourly rate	$15.04	$14.98
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	39,152	31,043
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 31%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	53	44
Years of experience	2	-

What does a switchboard operator do?

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.

What does a telephone operator do?

A telephone operator is an employee who assists clients through transferring calls, answering questions, and providing information. In the case of a large volume of calls, telephone operators must operate a private branch exchange (PBX) system to enable them to manage several different calls with accuracy and efficiency. They help customers with special billing requests and people with physical disabilities to make telephone calls. Telephone operators also perform clerical duties such as typing, sorting mail, and updating directory information.

Switchboard operator vs telephone operator salary

Switchboard operators and telephone operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Switchboard Operator	Telephone Operator
Average salary	$31,281	$31,168
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $38,000	Between $25,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Rochester, NY
Highest paying state	California	Minnesota
Best paying company	Sentry	Mount Auburn Hospital
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Telecommunication

Differences between switchboard operator and telephone operator education

There are a few differences between a switchboard operator and a telephone operator in terms of educational background:

	Switchboard Operator	Telephone Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 31%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Switchboard operator vs telephone operator demographics

Here are the differences between switchboard operators' and telephone operators' demographics:

	Switchboard Operator	Telephone Operator
Average age	53	44
Gender ratio	Male, 13.2% Female, 86.8%	Male, 22.4% Female, 77.6%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 8.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 3.6% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%
LGBT Percentage	19%	9%

Differences between switchboard operator and telephone operator duties and responsibilities

Switchboard operator example responsibilities.

Develop QA survey to improve client satisfaction.
Compile inmate reports for payroll.
Assign new employee payroll numbers.
Connect customers with patients, doctors, and administrators and assist with emergency announcements
Confirm appointments and communicate any changes or cancellations to all patients and administration personnel.
Supervise telecommunication operations and reinforce the confidentiality in telecommunications.

Telephone operator example responsibilities.

Operate office equipment including, but not limit to, computers, PBX system, fax machine, e-mail.
Programme various PBX computer operate phone system base request such as wake up calls, flight reminders and tour times.
Provide access to telephone interpreters services for visitors and patients with limit English experience highlights.
Input patients personal information into a database, then contact physicians to give patient information.
Protect patient privacy by following HIPAA regulations, as well as maintaining confidential information within the hospital intranet.
Liaise directly with incoming guests, travel agents, VIP clients and in-house guests to meet guest needs and execute satisfaction.

Switchboard operator vs telephone operator skills

Common switchboard operator skills

Customer Service, 22%
Patients, 21%
Phone Calls, 7%
Transferring Calls, 4%
External Calls, 4%
Multi-Line Phone System, 3%

Common telephone operator skills

Patients, 21%
Emergency Calls, 9%
Customer Service, 8%
Phone Calls, 7%
Telephone Calls, 7%
Data Entry, 4%

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Switchboard Operator
Switchboard Operator vs Telephone Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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