Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service Salary — US State Breakdown (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · Last updated: 2026-09-02
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 43-2011As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
US Salary Overview
The national median wage for switchboard operators, including answering service in the United States is $38,630 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 34,000 people are employed in this occupation nationally. UK data is not available for this occupation — the UK's SOC 2020 classification has no direct equivalent. Signing an offer? Employment contract templates at LawDepot cover offer letters, NDAs and employment agreements.
US Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $29,990 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $34,820 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $38,630 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $46,530 | Experienced |
| 90th | $59,470 | Senior / highest decile |
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Start $1 Trial →Median Salary by State
| State | Median salary | Mean salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $59,860 | $57,030 | 410 |
| District of Columbia | $54,700 | $56,040 | 230 |
| California | $48,840 | $54,360 | 7,000 |
| Washington | $47,800 | $48,140 | 430 |
| Minnesota | $47,430 | $48,220 | 200 |
| New York | $45,330 | $49,950 | 2,000 |
| New Hampshire | $44,210 | $43,860 | 100 |
| Massachusetts | $43,790 | $45,190 | 830 |
| Colorado | $43,720 | $42,720 | 320 |
| Maine | $43,350 | $43,750 | 100 |
| Illinois | $42,660 | $43,410 | 1,000 |
| Vermont | $42,630 | $42,940 | 70 |
| New Jersey | $40,430 | $43,320 | 660 |
| Arizona | $40,380 | $41,380 | 380 |
| Wisconsin | $40,030 | $43,200 | 550 |
| Rhode Island | $39,850 | $42,330 | 130 |
| Georgia | $39,490 | $40,040 | 780 |
| Kansas | $38,760 | $38,970 | 180 |
| North Carolina | $38,520 | $38,580 | 690 |
| Iowa | $38,400 | $40,010 | 210 |
| Connecticut | $38,380 | $42,960 | 180 |
| Nevada | $38,070 | $38,870 | 650 |
| Idaho | $38,000 | $36,690 | 70 |
| New Mexico | $37,710 | $39,790 | 220 |
| Alaska | $37,690 | $39,850 | — |
| Kentucky | $37,590 | $38,010 | 370 |
| Nebraska | $37,570 | $38,620 | 180 |
| West Virginia | $37,430 | $36,810 | 110 |
| Michigan | $37,390 | $39,320 | 370 |
| Missouri | $37,130 | $37,980 | 640 |
| Maryland | $37,080 | $39,300 | 650 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,890 | $35,820 | 1,000 |
| Indiana | $36,860 | $39,300 | 380 |
| Virginia | $36,730 | $37,470 | 610 |
| Ohio | $36,350 | $36,620 | 990 |
| Montana | $36,270 | $37,950 | 110 |
| Delaware | $35,980 | $37,610 | 180 |
| Louisiana | $35,890 | $35,390 | — |
| Tennessee | $35,550 | $35,310 | 680 |
| Florida | $35,410 | $37,210 | 3,000 |
| Arkansas | $35,290 | $35,360 | 260 |
| Oklahoma | $35,280 | $35,660 | 480 |
| South Carolina | $34,010 | $35,310 | 480 |
| Texas | $33,620 | $33,810 | 4,000 |
| Alabama | $32,210 | $32,860 | 680 |
| Mississippi | $30,520 | $31,080 | 200 |
| Puerto Rico | $24,960 | $28,220 | 560 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a switchboard operators, including answering service in the US?
The US national median wage for switchboard operators, including answering service is $38,630 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
What is the pay range for switchboard operators, including answering service in the US?
Pay ranges from $29,990 at the 10th percentile to $59,470 at the 90th percentile. This difference typically reflects experience level, employer size, and location.
Which US states pay switchboard operators, including answering service the most?
The highest-paying states for switchboard operators, including answering service include Hawaii ($59,860), District of Columbia ($54,700), California ($48,840). Pay varies by state due to cost of living, local demand and industry concentration.
How much does switchboard operators, including answering service salary vary by state?
The gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states is significant — Hawaii ($59,860) pays roughly 140% more than Puerto Rico ($24,960). Check the state breakdown above for the exact figure in your location.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-09-02