Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service Salary in Washington
The median pay for a switchboard operators, including answering service in Washington is $46,470/year ($22.34/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $37K at the entry level to $55K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $46K get you in Washington?
About switchboard operators, including answering services
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington
Entry-level switchboard operators, including answering services (10th percentile) start around $37K. Mid-career wages sit at $46K.Top earners bring in $55K or more - a $18K 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 Washington numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do switchboard operators, including answering services make in Washington?
The median is $46,470 a year - that works out to about $22.34 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $37,020, and experienced switchboard operators, including answering services can clear $54,970. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $46K enough to live in Washington?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,281/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,550/month (median of metro areas), which eats 47.2% 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 Washington?
Washington 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 $46,470 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.