ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Answering Service Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsAnswering Service Operator JobsAnswering Service Operator Jobs in California

Answering Service Operator information

See California salary details

$11

$14

$16

How much do answering service operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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.

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 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 is the average pay for answering service operators?

Answering service operators typically earn an average hourly wage of around $12 to $15, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $31,000. Pay can vary based on experience, location, and whether the role involves night or weekend shifts, which may offer higher compensation.
More about Answering Service Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Answering Service Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Answering Service Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Answering Service Operator jobs in California?

For Answering Service Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Answering Service Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Answering Service Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Answering Service Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Answering Service Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Answering Service Operator jobs in CA?

For Answering Service Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,607 per year, or $14.2 per hour.

PBX OPERATOR/RECEPT, TELECOMM

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center

Pomona, CA • On-site

$23 - $24.32/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 1,065 rated hospitals

Job description

NEEDS TO BE AVAILABLE TO WORK ALL SHIFTS (DAYS/EVENINGS/NIGHTS)
Position Summary: Answers PBX Console and emergency phones. Trains new PBX Operator candidates. Overhead paging, beeping, monitoring alarms, and monitoring radios. May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent. Two years experience in customer service.
Preferred Qualifications: Multi-line answering experience.
Salary Range: $23.00 - $24.32 hourly. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
As part of our ongoing effort to remain an employer of choice, eligible employees who work qualifying weekend shifts receive a competitive weekend rate.

What Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center logo

About Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PVHMC is a nationally recognized and accredited 412-bed, not-for-profit community medical center, proudly serving residents in eastern Los Angeles and western San Bernardino counties. With four Centers of Excellence – The Robert and Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center, Stead Heart and Vascular Center, Women and Children’s Center and Trauma Center – PVHMC offers residents specialized services close to home.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pomona, CA, US

Year founded

1903

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Jobs

Apply