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Answering Service Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Personal Telephone Answering Service

telephone

San Jose, CA

$19 - $23.75/hr

As a telephone Operator, you will answer all incoming calls, answer questions, and direct calls to ... customer service skills, and is comfortable on the phone. Responsibilities * Answering incoming ...

Personal Telephone Answering Service

telephone

San Jose, CA · On-site

$19 - $23.75/hr

As a telephone Operator, you will answer all incoming calls, answer questions, and direct calls to ... customer service skills, and is comfortable on the phone. Responsibilities * Answering incoming ...

Personal Telephone Answering Service

telephone

San Jose, CA · On-site

$19 - $23.75/hr

As a telephone Operator, you will answer all incoming calls, answer questions, and direct calls to ... customer service skills, and is comfortable on the phone. Responsibilities * Answering incoming ...

Personal Telephone Answering Service

telephone

San Jose, CA · On-site

$19 - $23.75/hr

As a telephone Operator, you will answer all incoming calls, answer questions, and direct calls to ... service skills, and is comfortable on the phone. Responsibilities Answering incoming phone calls ...

Moffitt

Service Response Center Rep

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $24.04/hr

... operator for the Cancer Center.The SRC Rep will take all incoming calls, create work orders, and ... Minimum of one(1) year of experience in a high-volume call center/answering service switchboard ...

Moffitt

SERVICE RESPONSE CENTER REP

Long Beach, CA

$16.25 - $21/hr

... operator for the Cancer Center.The SRC Rep will take all incoming calls, create work orders, and ... Minimum of one(1) year of experience in a high-volume call center/answering service switchboard ...

Greystar Real Estate Partners

$23 - $26/hr

Greystar is the largest operator of apartments in the United States, managing over one million ... Checks the answering service throughout the day for messages and returns calls as necessary. The ...

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All JobsAnswering Service Operator JobsAnswering Service Operator Jobs in California

Answering Service Operator information

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How much do answering service operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for answering service operator in California is $14.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $15.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an answering service operator?

An answering service operator is a professional who answers phone calls on behalf of businesses or individuals, often outside of regular business hours. They handle messages, provide information, transfer calls, and sometimes schedule appointments or offer basic customer support. Operators are trained to follow specific protocols and scripts based on the client's needs, ensuring that callers receive courteous and accurate assistance. This role is essential for businesses that want to maintain 24/7 availability without having in-house staff at all times.

What is the average pay for answering service operators?

The average pay for answering service operators typically ranges from $10 to $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Some positions may offer additional benefits or shift differentials for night or weekend work.

What is the difference between Answering Service Operator vs Customer Service Representative?

AspectAnswering Service OperatorCustomer Service Representative
CredentialsTypically no formal certifications requiredOften requires customer service or communication training
Work EnvironmentCall centers, remote or office settingsRetail, call centers, office settings
Employer & IndustryAnswering service companies, healthcare, emergency servicesRetail, tech, finance, healthcare
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on call handling, message taking, emergency responseFocus on customer interaction, issue resolution

Answering Service Operators primarily handle incoming calls, take messages, and may respond to emergencies, often working in call centers or remote setups. Customer Service Representatives engage directly with customers to resolve issues, provide product information, and support sales. While both roles involve communication skills, Answering Service Operators focus more on call management and message accuracy, whereas Customer Service Representatives emphasize customer interaction and problem-solving.

What are some common challenges answering service operators face and how can they be managed?

Answering Service Operators often handle high call volumes and must quickly adapt to various client industries, which can be challenging. Managing stress, maintaining professionalism, and ensuring accurate message delivery are key aspects of the role. Many operators find it helpful to develop strong multitasking and active listening skills, as well as to stay organized through digital tools provided by their employer. Regular feedback from supervisors and collaboration with team members also support continuous improvement and job satisfaction.

What does an answering service operator do?

Answering service operators handle inbound calls for their clients, either through a switchboard or in a call center. As an answering service operator, your job duties include courteously greeting callers, determining the reason for their call, and answering questions or directing their requests to a different department as necessary. Some answering service operators oversee multiple phone lines, so being organized and able to multitask is required. You must also keep a log of the calls in a spreadsheet or database, entering notes and contact information about the call. You sometimes need to take further action, such as contacting a supervisor to resolve difficult situations. Answering service operators may work during regular business hours, or they may receive calls and take messages after-hours.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an answering service operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Answering Service Operator, you need excellent verbal communication, active listening skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with multi-line phone systems and call center software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and attention to detail help operators handle a variety of callers and situations effectively. These skills ensure efficient, accurate message delivery and provide a positive experience for both callers and clients.
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Answering Service Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Answering Service Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,607 per year, or $14.2 per hour.

telephone

Personal Telephone Answering Service

San Jose, CA

$19 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Benefits/Perks
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Great Work Environment

Job Summary
We are seeking a Telephone Operator to join our team! As a telephone Operator, you will answer all incoming calls, answer questions, and direct calls to the appropriate people and places. You will also verify information over the phone, update documentation as needed, and keep notes on important calls. The ideal candidate can maintain a positive, helpful attitude even while handling multiple calls, has excellent customer service skills, and is comfortable on the phone. 

Responsibilities 
  • Answering incoming phone calls, answering questions, and transferring calls to the appropriate places
  • Juggle multiple callers and phone lines while maintaining a positive attitude
  • Keep notes on important callers and information
  • Take messages, as needed
Qualifications
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Familiarity with computer phone systems helpful