Careers · Office and administrative support

Communications Equipment Operators, All Other

Communications equipment operators manage telephone switchboards, radio systems, and other communication devices that are not covered by more specialized job titles. They work in offices, dispatch centers, hospitals, and other facilities where coordinating calls and messages is essential to daily operations. These operators connect callers, relay information, and maintain equipment records.

$54,680median pay, U.S., per year

$46,460–$78,470middle half earn

1,200employed in the U.S.

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against communications equipment operators, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.

Find out in 15 minutes See openings

A day in the work

A typical week involves answering incoming calls or radio transmissions and routing them to appropriate departments or personnel. Operators monitor communication equipment, log calls and messages, and may assist with equipment troubleshooting. They handle multiple requests simultaneously, manage call queues, and document communication details. The work is steady and requires sustained attention throughout shifts that may include evenings or weekends.

Who this work suits

You're organized and detail-oriented, comfortable managing multiple communication channels at once. You work well in structured environments, stay calm during busy periods, and take satisfaction in connecting people efficiently and accurately.

What it takes

Pay by state

State	25th pct	Median	75th pct	Employed
Missouri	$61,620	$87,030	$88,420	50
California	$52,730	$79,450	$94,570	450
Texas	$53,490	$58,410	$59,280	110
Massachusetts	$51,510	$54,500	$66,290	40
Minnesota	$54,500	$54,500	$82,990	—
Michigan	$51,920	$51,920	$51,920	40
Louisiana	$37,450	$48,560	$54,580	40
Ohio	$46,950	$47,360	$49,750	60
North Carolina	$42,000	$46,430	$51,630	30

All 9 states

Missouri · $87,030 California · $79,450 Texas · $58,410 Massachusetts · $54,500 Minnesota · $54,500 Michigan · $51,920 Louisiana · $48,560 Ohio · $47,360 North Carolina · $46,430

Certifications people in this field hold

Certified Radio Operator (CRO) — Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc.

Training

Local training programs Certifications Licenses in your state Apprenticeships

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Related occupations

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service Telephone Operators First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers Bill and Account Collectors Billing and Posting Clerks Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Gambling Cage Workers Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against communications equipment operators, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.

Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 43-2099.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.