Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
SOC Code: 43-2011
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Services operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 81.0/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness.
AI-Proof Score: 81.0 — Very High
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Median Salary
$38,370
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Job Growth
-26.3%
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Training Time
Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)
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Job Zone
Zone 2 / 5
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Training Cost
~$5,000
Key Skills
- •Active Listening
- •Speaking
- •Social Perceptiveness
- •Service Orientation
- •Reading Comprehension
- •Coordination
- •Monitoring
Common Tasks
- ✓Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
- ✓Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
- ✓Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
- ✓Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location.
- ✓Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.
Training & Resources
Why AI-Proof?
- ✅Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
- ✅Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
- ✅Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
- ✅Social and regulatory barriers to full automation