National
| Median wages (2008) |
$11.65 hourly, $24,220 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
177,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Decline slowly or moderately (-3% to -9%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
37,000 additional employees |
43-2011.00 - Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.
Sample of reported job titles:
Switchboard Operator, PBX Operator (Private Branch Exchange Operator), Administrative Assistant, Operator, CBX Operator, Communication Specialist, Dispatcher, Telecommunications Operator, Office Assistant, Telecommunications Clerk
Tasks
- Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
- Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls and/or taking messages as necessary.
- Route emergency calls appropriately.
- Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging and interoffice communication equipment.
- Relay and route written and verbal messages.
- Place telephone calls or arrange conference calls as instructed.
- Perform clerical duties, such as typing, proofreading, accepting orders, scheduling appointments, and sorting mail.
- Monitor alarm systems in order to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
- Contact security staff members when necessary, using radio-telephones.
- Keep records of calls placed and charges incurred.
