Switchboard operator, receptionist vs call center operator

The differences between switchboard operators, receptionist and call center operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a switchboard operator, receptionist and a call center operator. Additionally, a call center operator has an average salary of $31,022, which is higher than the $25,889 average annual salary of a switchboard operator, receptionist.

The top three skills for a switchboard operator, receptionist include greeting visitors, data entry and customer service. The most important skills for a call center operator are strong customer service, patients, and data entry.

Switchboard operator, receptionist vs call center operator overview

	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist	Call Center Operator
Yearly salary	$25,889	$31,022
Hourly rate	$12.45	$14.91
Growth rate	-	-4%
Number of jobs	95,946	215,083
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age	53	53
Years of experience	2	2

Switchboard operator, receptionist vs call center operator salary

Switchboard operators, receptionist and call center operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist	Call Center Operator
Average salary	$25,889	$31,022
Salary range	Between $19,000 And $33,000	Between $22,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Spokane Valley, WA	Vacaville, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	New York
Best paying company	Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital	Brigham and Women's Hospital
Best paying industry	Finance	Media

Differences between switchboard operator, receptionist and call center operator education

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

	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist	Call Center Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Switchboard operator, receptionist vs call center operator demographics

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

	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist	Call Center Operator
Average age	53	53
Gender ratio	Male, 5.8% Female, 94.2%	Male, 26.6% Female, 73.4%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 14.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 3.4% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	19%	19%

Differences between switchboard operator, receptionist and call center operator duties and responsibilities

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.

Call center operator example responsibilities.

Manage confidential documents and records with strict compliance to HIPAA.
Manage patient's records and make sure they are protected under the HIPPA laws.
Page all Dr's and staff when need.
Comply with HIPAA regulations at all times.
Create daily reports to monitor patient census, food allergies and nutritional plans.
Oversee scheduling, re-scheduling, and input appointment information into the systems EMR.

Switchboard operator, receptionist vs call center operator skills

Common switchboard operator, receptionist skills

Greeting Visitors, 16%
Data Entry, 13%
Customer Service, 12%
Front Desk, 7%
Scheduling Appointments, 5%
Telephone Calls, 4%

Common call center operator skills

Strong Customer Service, 50%
Patients, 10%
Data Entry, 5%
Customer Service, 5%
Phone Calls, 4%
Telephone Calls, 3%

Switchboard Operator, Receptionist vs. similar jobs

Switchboard Operator, Receptionist related careers

Switchboard Operator, Receptionist related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Office and Administrative Industry
Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Switchboard Operator, Receptionist vs Call Center Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs