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The differences between telecommunication operators and switchboard 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 telecommunication operator and a switchboard operator. Additionally, a telecommunication operator has an average salary of $39,381, which is higher than the $31,281 average annual salary of a switchboard operator.
The top three skills for a telecommunication operator include patients, customer service and emergency situations. The most important skills for a switchboard operator are customer service, patients, and phone calls.
| Telecommunication Operator | Switchboard Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $39,381 | $31,281 |
| Hourly rate | $18.93 | $15.04 |
| Growth rate | 4% | - |
| Number of jobs | 34,218 | 39,152 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Average age | 53 | 53 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A Telecommunication Operator handles all incoming calls and transfers them when necessary to appropriate quarters. As a Telecommunication operator, you will be tasked with responding to inquiries, answering messages, and passing along communication to the right individuals. In addition to that, you will be tasked with organizing the telephone directory and performing a host of other administrative tasks. You will also have the responsibility of processing packages and incoming mails and delivering outgoing mails and packages to the post office or other shipping facilities.
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.
Telecommunication operators and switchboard operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Telecommunication Operator | Switchboard Operator | |
| Average salary | $39,381 | $31,281 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $50,000 | Between $25,000 And $38,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | California |
| Best paying company | City of Detroit | Sentry |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a telecommunication operator and a switchboard operator in terms of educational background:
| Telecommunication Operator | Switchboard Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between telecommunication operators' and switchboard operators' demographics:
| Telecommunication Operator | Switchboard Operator | |
| Average age | 53 | 53 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.1% Female, 65.9% | Male, 13.2% Female, 86.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 15.0% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 3.8% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 19% | 19% |