Switchboard Operators
On the Job
Switchboard Operators operate telephone equipment or switchboards. They give information to callers and record messages.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
- Relay information between personnel.
- Maintain call records.
- Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
- Prepare cash for deposit or disbursement.
- Sort mail.
- Monitor alarm systems.
- Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.
- Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
- Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
Typical Working Conditions
- Frequent contact with others.
- Dealing with external customers.
- Sitting.
- Frequent decision-making.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Dealing with unpleasant or angry people.
- Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.

This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.