Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service Salary in U.S.
The median pay for a switchboard operators, including answering service in U.S. is $38,370/year ($18.45/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $30K at the entry level to $61K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $38K get you in U.S.?
About switchboard operators, including answering services
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level switchboard operators, including answering services (10th percentile) start around $30K. Mid-career wages sit at $38K.Top earners bring in $61K or more - a $31K spread from bottom to top.
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $57K | +49% | 370 |
| District of Columbia | $55K | +44% | 200 |
| California | $49K | +29% | 7,170 |
| Oregon | $49K | +29% | 360 |
| Minnesota | $48K | +26% | 340 |
| Washington | $46K | +21% | 360 |
| New York | $45K | +17% | 2,070 |
| Maine | $42K | +10% | 110 |
| Montana | $42K | +9% | 40 |
| Utah | $41K | +8% | 110 |
| New Hampshire | $41K | +6% | 150 |
| Massachusetts | $41K | +6% | 1,010 |
| Illinois | $40K | +5% | 1,830 |
| Wisconsin | $40K | +4% | 480 |
| Maryland | $40K | +4% | 530 |
Track switchboard operators, including answering service salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do switchboard operators, including answering services make in U.S.?
The median is $38,370 a year - that works out to about $18.45 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $29,820, and experienced switchboard operators, including answering services can clear $60,940. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $38K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,739/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 51.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a switchboard operators, including answering service salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median switchboard operators, including answering service salary is worth about $38,370 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do switchboard operators, including answering services get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.