Careers · Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service · California
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service in California
Switchboard operators manage telephone systems for businesses, routing calls between internal lines and outside callers. They work in offices, medical facilities, hotels, and call centers, using specialized equipment to connect calls, transfer messages, and provide basic information to callers. In California the median pay is $48,840 a year, 26% above the national median of $38,630.
$48,840median pay in California, per year
$41,600–$65,600middle half earn
6,680employed in California
$38,630U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against switchboard operators, including answering service and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against switchboard operators, including answering service and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Who is hiring in California
5open roles like this on employer career sites, 0 in California or remote
1employer hiring
0posted in the last 7 days
WIwhere most openings are
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Active ListeningSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationReading ComprehensionCoordinationMonitoringWriting
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageAdministrativeComputers and ElectronicsTelecommunicationsAdministration and Management
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service.
Licenses and training in California
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service pay in other states
Hawaii · $59,860District of Columbia · $54,700Washington · $47,800Minnesota · $47,430New York · $45,330New Hampshire · $44,210Massachusetts · $43,790Colorado · $43,720Maine · $43,350Illinois · $42,660
Related occupations
Telephone OperatorsCommunications Equipment Operators, All OtherFirst-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support WorkersBill and Account CollectorsBilling and Posting ClerksBookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing ClerksGambling Cage WorkersPayroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against switchboard operators, including answering service and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against switchboard operators, including answering service and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-2011.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.