Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for switchboard operators, including answering service in the United States was $18.57, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $14.42 |
| 25th | $16.74 |
| Median | $18.57 |
| 75th | $22.37 |
| 90th | $28.59 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do switchboard operators, including answering service make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $18.57; the mean hourly wage is $20.34.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for switchboard operators, including answering service?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $14.42 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for switchboard operators, including answering service?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $28.59 per hour.