Will “Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Job Description

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

Job Details

• The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 43-2011.00
• The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 29,720.00
• The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 14.00
• Currently, there are 90,910 people on this job

Also Known As…

• Telephone Operator
• Telecommunications Operator
• Telecommunications Clerk
• Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
• Switchboard Operator
• PBX Operator (Private Branch Exchange Operator)
• Operator
• Information Specialist
• Communication Specialist
• CBX Operator
• Traffic Operator
• Traffic Observer
• Through Operator
• Test Operator
• Telephone Switchboard Operator
• Telephone Answering Service Operator
• Telegraph Office Telephone Clerk
• Tandem Operator
• Switching Clerk
• Switchboard Receptionist
• Switch Technician
• Route Clerk
• Private Branch Exchange Service Adviser
• Police District Switchboard Operator
• PBX Teacher
• Operators Teacher
• Line Technician
• Exchange Operator
• Desk Operator
• Complaint Operator
• Communication Coordinator
• Communication Center Operator
• Command and Control Specialist
• Combination Operator
• Central Communications Specialist
• Answering Service Telephone Operator

Tasks for “Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service”

• Monitor alarm systems to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
• Relay or route written or verbal messages.
• Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location.
• Perform various cash handling tasks, such as collecting payments, making bank deposits, or managing petty cash.
• Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
• Process incoming or outgoing mail, packages, or deliveries.
• Keep records of calls placed and charges incurred.
• Perform administrative tasks, such as accepting orders, scheduling appointments or meeting rooms, or sending and receiving faxes.
• Place orders, such as for equipment, supplies, or catering for meetings.
• Place telephone calls or arrange conference calls as instructed.
• Perform various data entry or word processing tasks, such as updating phone directories, typing or proofreading documents, or creating schedules.
• Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
• Contact security staff members when necessary, using radio-telephones.
• Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.
• Complete forms for sales orders.
• Answer simple questions about clients' businesses, using reference files.
• Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.
• Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
• Stamp messages with time and date and file them appropriately.

Related Technology & Tools

• Radiotelephones
• Mobile radios
• Copy machines
• Laser facsimile machines
• Multiline telephone systems
• Telephone switchboards
• Public address PA systems
• Video surveillance monitors
• Personal computers
• Intercom equipment
• Alarm system monitors
• Premise branch exchange PBX equipment
• Paging systems
• Computer inkjet printers
• Telephone headsets

• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Outlook
• SAP
• Microsoft Word
• IBM Notes