Switchboard Operator

Explore This Path

Connect people and facilitate communication in a dynamic work environment.
Ensure seamless communication flow, impacting business efficiency and visitor experience.
Unique role combining tech skills with personal interaction and problem-solving.

💰 Earn $38K-$70K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -25.2% JOB GROWTH

Find Training

What You’ll Do

Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.

Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location.
Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Risky (Decreasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

2,700 Annually

Median Earnings

$47,130 in California

$36,750 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Relating with or serving others
Using data or completing tasks

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Coordination
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Switchboard Operator

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Strategic Employment

Strategic employment provides individuals with valuable work experience, opportunities for professional growth and networking, and exposure to an industry where they may want to pursue advancement.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 1-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Workforce Development Program

A workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years