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What is a switchboard operator, receptionist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a switchboard operator, receptionist. For example, did you know that they make an average of $12.45 an hour? That's $25,889 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 0% and produce 4,300 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSwitchboard Operator, ReceptionistUS Average
Salary
2.0

Avg. Salary $25,889

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
3.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.20%

Asian 3.84%

Black or African American 14.62%

Hispanic or Latino 15.82%

Unknown 3.59%

White 60.93%

Gender

female 94.16%

male 5.84%

Age - 57
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 - 57
Stress level
8.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Switchboard operator, receptionist career paths

Key steps to become a switchboard operator, receptionist

  1. Explore switchboard operator, receptionist education requirements

    Most common switchboard operator, receptionist degrees

    High School Diploma

    34.1 %

    Associate

    24.7 %

    Bachelor's

    24.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific switchboard operator, receptionist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Greeting Visitors15.89%
    Data Entry13.33%
    Customer Service12.05%
    Front Desk6.57%
    Scheduling Appointments4.68%
  3. Complete relevant switchboard operator, receptionist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New switchboard operators, receptionist 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 switchboard operator, receptionist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real switchboard operator, receptionist resumes.
  4. Gain additional switchboard operator, receptionist certifications

    Switchboard operator, receptionist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific switchboard operator, receptionist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for switchboard operators, receptionist include Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert (Office 365 and Office 2019).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research switchboard operator, receptionist duties and 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.
  6. Prepare your switchboard operator, receptionist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your switchboard operator, receptionist 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 switchboard operator, receptionist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable switchboard operator, receptionist resume templates

    Build a professional switchboard operator, receptionist 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 switchboard operator, receptionist resume.
    Switchboard Operator, Receptionist Resume
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    Switchboard Operator, Receptionist Resume
    Switchboard Operator, Receptionist Resume
    Switchboard Operator, Receptionist Resume
    Switchboard Operator, Receptionist Resume
  7. Apply for switchboard operator, receptionist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a switchboard operator, receptionist 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 switchboard operator, receptionist job

Zippi

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Average switchboard operator, receptionist salary

The average switchboard operator, receptionist salary in the United States is $25,889 per year or $12 per hour. Switchboard operator, receptionist salaries range between $19,000 and $33,000 per year.

Average switchboard operator, receptionist salary
$25,889 Yearly
$12.45 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do switchboard operators, receptionist rate their job?

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Switchboard operator, receptionist reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2024
Pros

Good work life balance, low stress and responsibility

Cons

Low pay, lack of progression


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

Really likes people and shows it through courtesy and co-operation,willing to observe company rules and goes an extra mile.

Cons

Not to upset my clients and the company reputation.


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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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