Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service vs. Office Clerks, General: Who Earns More?
Office Clerks, General out-earn Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service by $6K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service land at $38,630 and Office Clerks, General at $45,010. The education gap is real: switchboard operators, including answering service programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while office clerks, general programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service is Hawaii ($59,860); for Office Clerks, General it's District of Columbia ($55,040).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service or Office Clerks, General?
Office Clerks, General earn more nationally. The median is $38,630 for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service versus $45,010 for Office Clerks, General, a difference of $6K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service or Office Clerks, General?
Office Clerks, General has the better 10-year outlook at -6.7% projected growth, compared to -26.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service or Office Clerks, General?
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Office Clerks, General requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service get paid the most?
Hawaii is the top-paying state for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service at $59,860/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service vs. Office Clerks, General pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service earn $54,700 vs. $55,040 for Office Clerks, General. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.