Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service Salary in 2026
How Much Do Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Services Make?
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Services earn a median annual salary of $38,370 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $29,820 at the 10th percentile to $60,940 at the 90th percentile — a range of $31,120. The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $57,220.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,820 |
| 25th percentile | $34,250 |
| Median (50th) | $38,370 |
| 75th percentile | $46,330 |
| 90th percentile | $60,940 |
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaiitop | $57,220 |
| District of Columbia | $55,140 |
| California | $49,460 |
| Oregon | $49,440 |
| Minnesota | $48,280 |
| Washington | $46,470 |
| New York | $45,030 |
| Colorado | $42,740 |
| Maine | $42,090 |
| Montana | $41,880 |
| Utah | $41,290 |
| New Hampshire | $40,860 |
| Massachusetts | $40,730 |
| Illinois | $40,230 |
| Wisconsin | $39,910 |
| Maryland | $39,750 |
| Vermont | $39,500 |
| Arizona | $39,030 |
| Rhode Island | $38,350 |
| Georgia | $38,080 |
| Michigan | $38,070 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,930 |
| New Jersey | $37,920 |
| Idaho | $37,650 |
| New Mexico | $37,430 |
| Nevada | $37,260 |
| Iowa | $37,160 |
| Delaware | $36,930 |
| Kansas | $36,900 |
| Nebraska | $36,880 |
| Alaska | $36,600 |
| Connecticut | $36,560 |
| Kentucky | $36,500 |
| Ohio | $36,490 |
| North Carolina | $36,190 |
| Missouri | $35,640 |
| Virginia | $35,540 |
| Louisiana | $35,260 |
| Oklahoma | $35,170 |
| Florida | $35,080 |
| Indiana | $34,720 |
| West Virginia | $34,600 |
| Arkansas | $33,680 |
| South Carolina | $33,640 |
| Tennessee | $33,280 |
| Texas | $31,780 |
| Mississippi | $31,560 |
| Alabama | $31,450 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Services
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$29,820 – $34,250 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$38,370 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$46,330 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $60,940+ |
How to Earn More as a Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Services in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earn $73,220 — $34,850 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($46,330) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Servicethis career | $38,370 |
| Administrative Services Manager | $108,390 |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialist | $130,390 |
| Telemarketer | $34,410 |
| Office and Administrative Support Worker Supervisor | $66,140 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 43-2011.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.