How much does a switchboard operator make?

At a desk with a headset and phone system, operators answer callers, ask what they need, and transfer calls or share basic information. They also take clear, time-stamped messages and may route urgent calls or announce alarms.

Did you know? Some switchboard operators may monitor emergency alarms, make emergency announcements, or route urgent calls to the right place.

In the United States, earn a high school diploma or GED; a college degree is not usually required. Then apply for an entry-level job and learn the employer’s phone system through short-term on-the-job training.

School needed: High school plus some training

Good for people who like keeping things organized and building and doing

Why does pay differ?

In the United States, pay can differ with experience and skill, the kind of employer, and where the job is located. Work hours and shifts can matter too, because some jobs include non-daytime hours.