Skip to content

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

Office and Administrative Support (43-2011)

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

At a Glance

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service earns a median of $38,370/yr with -26.3% projected growth. Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent. Top skills: Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Access, SAP software.

Median Annual Wage

$38,370/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

-26.3%

Annual Openings

3

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Skills & Requirements

Skills (3)

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

4.0
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.9
Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

3.5

Knowledge (5)

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

4.3
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.9
Administrative

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

3.7
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

3.5
Telecommunications

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

3.3

Abilities (5)

Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

4.1
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.1
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

4.0
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

4.0
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.4

Technology (8)

Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Windows

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (9)

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.2
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.0
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

3.8
Performing Administrative Activities

Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

3.7
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

3.4
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

3.3
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to build these skills?

Sign up to find courses that teach these skills, track your progress, and build a skills passport aligned to Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service.

Get Started Free