Hiring Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

What do switchboard operators, including answering service do?

• 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.
• Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.

Core tasks, O*NET OnLine, 43-2011.00.

What does it take to become one?

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET Job Zone 2, SVP (4.0 to < 6.0). O*NET OnLine.

Employers commonly list experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Access, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows for this role.

What do switchboard operators, including answering service get paid?

BLS OEWS, May 2025 publishes a wage for switchboard operators, including answering service in 77 of the metro areas in this build. The median ranges from $27,510 to $79,260 a year depending on the metro, with a midpoint of $38,190. This is what employers pay, place of work, not a single national figure and not what any one person takes home.

BLS OEWS, BLS OEWS, May 2025, SOC 43-2011.

What does hiring one cost?

The same as any role: tier, not location or salary, sets the fee. Across all six tiers the published range is $6,240 to $54,340 per search. For scale, the highest published median for switchboard operators, including answering service in this build is $79,260. A contingency firm hiring at that level would bill roughly $15,852 to $23,778 on the first year salary alone, 20 to 30%.

Frequently asked

How fast can a switchboard operators, including answering service search fill?

23 to 35 days, 2 to 3x faster than a typical contingency search, per the recruiting provider's published figures.

What if the hire does not work out?

A 45-day replacement guarantee, at 50% off a repeat search for the same role.