Shigoto Zukan
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How to become switchboard operators, including answering serviceeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Office & Admin Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$38,630
25th–75th pct. $34,820–$46,530
Top pay (est.)
$77,300
Top 10% $59,470
Pay in 5 years
$41,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$44,100est.
$37,900–$51,200
Outlook score
18/100
★☆☆☆☆ Weak
AI replacement risk
79%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
−26.0%
3,100 openings / yr

How to become switchboard operators, including answering service

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

Key skills

Active Listening
3.0
Social Perceptiveness
3.0
Service Orientation
2.9
Speaking
2.9
Reading Comprehension
2.9
Critical Thinking
2.8
Coordination
2.6
Monitoring
2.5

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
5.5
Administrative
4.6
Computers and Electronics
3.6
English Language
3.5
Mathematics
2.9
Administration and Management
2.8
Communications and Media
2.5
Psychology
2.3

What the work involves

Processing InformationPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming Administrative ActivitiesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionSpeech RecognitionSpeech ClarityOral ComprehensionNear VisionWritten Expression

Education of workers

High school diploma
89%
Post-secondary certificate
5%
Post-bachelor's certificate
3%
Some college
2%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
57%
1–2 years
17%
3–6 months
15%
None / short demo
7%
1–3 months
3%

Related work experience

1–2 years
39%
None
18%
3–6 months
12%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as switchboard operators, including answering service

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.