Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
High80.81%
Found in Industries:
Administrative and support and waste management and remediation servicesEducation servicesHealth care and social assistanceManufacturingPublic administrationRetail tradeTransportation and warehousingInformationOther services, except public administrationWholesale tradeAccommodation and food services
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$28,030
Median$36,750
High (90th %)$58,810
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Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.
The occupation "Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service" faces an automation risk of 80.8%, closely aligning with the base risk of 81.6% for related roles. This high risk largely stems from the nature of their work, which is heavily routine, rules-based, and reliant on clear procedural steps that can be replicated by modern technology. Automation technologies, such as advanced telephony systems and AI-powered virtual assistants, are increasingly capable of handling the core responsibilities of switchboard operators. The widespread adoption of these systems across various industries both increases productivity and reduces the need for human intervention in tasks like routing calls and managing basic communications. Among the most automatable tasks in this occupation are operating communication systems (such as telephone switchboards, intercoms, and radios); answering incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, and transferring calls or taking messages; and conducting front desk responsibilities like greeting visitors, logging them in and out, assigning badges, and contacting escorts. Each of these tasks is highly repetitive and relies on information retrieval, pattern recognition, and predetermined workflows, all of which can be efficiently managed by automation solutions. Voice recognition software, visitor management kiosks, and automated call distribution are now commonplace and have demonstrated reliability and speed, making these facets of the job particularly vulnerable. Conversely, some tasks remain more resistant to automation, such as placing orders for supplies or catering, keeping accurate records of calls and charges, and stamping messages with time and date for filing. These activities often require nuance, judgement, or adaptation to evolving context that current technology finds challenging. Furthermore, the bottleneck skills identified—Originality, at both 2.0% and 1.8%—highlight that the occupation requires minimal creative problem-solving, further exposing it to automation. Where originality and improvisation are not central to job performance, tech-driven solutions are more likely to replace human operators, cementing the high automation risk for this role.
Filter by Automatable Status
Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
Automatable
Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
Automatable
Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
Partially Automatable
Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location.
Partially Automatable
Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.
Automatable
Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.
Automatable
Relay or route written or verbal messages.
Automatable
Perform various cash handling tasks, such as collecting payments, making bank deposits, or managing petty cash.
Partially Automatable
Place telephone calls or arrange conference calls as instructed.
Automatable
Process incoming or outgoing mail, packages, or deliveries.
Partially Automatable
Perform administrative tasks, such as accepting orders, scheduling appointments or meeting rooms, or sending and receiving faxes.
Automatable
Monitor alarm systems to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
Partially Automatable
Contact security staff members when necessary, using radio-telephones.
Partially Automatable
Complete forms for sales orders.
Automatable
Answer simple questions about clients' businesses, using reference files.
Automatable
Stamp messages with time and date and file them appropriately.
Automatable
Keep records of calls placed and charges incurred.
Automatable
Place orders, such as for equipment, supplies, or catering for meetings.
Partially Automatable
Perform various data entry or word processing tasks, such as updating phone directories, typing or proofreading documents, or creating schedules.
Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and Counseling
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDocumenting/Recording InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareIBM NotesMicrosoft AccessWord processing softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareIBM NotesMicrosoft AccessWord processing softwareMicrosoft ExcelM-Tech Hotel Service Optimization System HotSOSM-Tech Hotel Service Optimization System HotSOSMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software
Administrative Services Managers
Medium45.13%
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Medium56.77%
Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.
Telemarketers
High78.30%
Solicit donations or orders for goods or services over the telephone.
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
Medium52.67%
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.
Telephone Operators
High76.09%
Provide information by accessing alphabetical, geographical, or other directories. Assist customers with special billing requests, such as charges to a third party and credits or refunds for incorrectly dialed numbers or bad connections. May handle emergency calls and assist children or people with physical disabilities to make telephone calls.
Billing and Posting Clerks
High79.60%
Compile, compute, and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data for billing purposes. Prepare billing invoices for services rendered or for delivery or shipment of goods.
Brokerage Clerks
High79.00%
Perform duties related to the purchase, sale, or holding of securities. Duties include writing orders for stock purchases or sales, computing transfer taxes, verifying stock transactions, accepting and delivering securities, tracking stock price fluctuations, computing equity, distributing dividends, and keeping records of daily transactions and holdings.
Customer Service Representatives
High68.30%
Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.
Receptionists and Information Clerks
High74.18%
Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.
Public Safety Telecommunicators
High71.21%
Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
Medium65.75%
Schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles for conveyance of materials, freight, or passengers, or for normal installation, service, or emergency repairs rendered outside the place of business. Duties may include using radio, telephone, or computer to transmit assignments and compiling statistics and reports on work progress.
Postal Service Clerks
High70.36%
Perform any combination of tasks in a United States Postal Service (USPS) post office, such as receive letters and parcels; sell postage and revenue stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes; fill out and sell money orders; place mail in pigeon holes of mail rack or in bags; and examine mail for correct postage. Includes postal service clerks employed by USPS contractors.
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
Medium60.44%
Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
High79.20%
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
High71.06%
Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.
Data Entry Keyers
High74.25%
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
Word Processors and Typists
High83.45%
Use word processor, computer, or typewriter to type letters, reports, forms, or other material from rough draft, corrected copy, or voice recording. May perform other clerical duties as assigned.
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Medium58.07%
Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Time-stamp, open, read, sort, and route incoming mail; and address, seal, stamp, fold, stuff, and affix postage to outgoing mail or packages. Duties may also include keeping necessary records and completed forms.
Office Clerks, General
Medium65.57%
Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures. Clerical duties may be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may include a combination of answering telephones, bookkeeping, typing or word processing, office machine operation, and filing.
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
Medium40.45%
Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.
Couriers and Messengers
Medium59.38%
Pick up and deliver messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment or directly to other business concerns, traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, or public conveyance.
Postal Service Mail Carriers
Medium56.66%
Sort and deliver mail for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Deliver mail on established route by vehicle or on foot. Includes postal service mail carriers employed by USPS contractors.