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Hospital Switchboard Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

York Hospital

Care Access Switchboard Operator

York, ME · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

The Hospital Switchboard is a specialty of the Care Access Department and reports to the Director of the Call Center and Care Access. The Switchboard Operator responds to telephone calls in a timely ...

York Hospital

Care Access Switchboard Operator

York, ME

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

The Hospital Switchboard is a specialty of the Care Access Department and reports to the Director of the Call Center and Care Access. The Switchboard Operator responds to telephone calls in a timely ...

Emerson Hospital

Switchboard Operator

Concord, MA

$18 - $20/hr

* Switchboard Operator | Hospital Communications & Help Desk Support Full Time Switchboard Operator Opportunity Join a collaborative healthcare team where communication, customer service, and teamwork ...

Emerson Hospital

Switchboard Operator

Concord, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

* Switchboard Operator | Hospital Communications & Help Desk Support Full Time Switchboard Operator Opportunity Join a collaborative healthcare team where communication, customer service, and teamwork ...

Lifepoint Health

Switchboard Operator - PRN

Sylva, NC · On-site

$10/hr

As a Switchboard Operator , you will manage a high volume of incoming calls, emergency alerts, and ... You will support hospital operations by routing calls appropriately, delivering emergency ...

Highland Hospital

Switchboard Operator

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $22.60/hr

Highland Hospital is seeking an experienced Switchboard Operator to join the team. This position answers the main line to Highland Hospital and directs all incoming calls. Hours are Saturday & Sunday ...

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How much do hospital switchboard operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for hospital switchboard operator in the United States is $16.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are hospital switchboard operators?

Hospital switchboard operators are professionals who manage incoming and outgoing telephone calls within a hospital. They are responsible for connecting calls to the appropriate departments or personnel, paging staff, handling emergency codes, and providing information to callers. Operators play a crucial role in ensuring efficient communication, especially during emergencies, and often serve as the first point of contact for patients, families, and medical staff. Their work helps maintain smooth operations and can be vital in urgent situations.

What's the lowest paying job at a hospital?

Hospital switchboard operators typically have lower wages compared to other hospital roles, often earning minimum wage or slightly above, depending on experience and location. These positions usually require basic communication skills and may involve shift work, but generally do not require advanced certifications.

Is it hard to be a Switchboard Operator?

Hospital switchboard operators need strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple calls efficiently. The job often requires working in a fast-paced environment, sometimes with irregular hours, but it generally involves routine tasks and basic technical knowledge of phone systems. While it can be demanding during busy periods, it is considered manageable with proper training and experience.

How much did switchboard operators earn?

Hospital switchboard operators typically earned an average annual salary of around $30,000 to $40,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the hospital. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced operators with specialized skills can earn higher wages. The job often requires good communication skills and familiarity with telephone systems.

What are some common challenges faced by hospital switchboard operators and how can they be managed?

Hospital switchboard operators often handle a high volume of calls, including emergency situations, which requires them to stay calm under pressure and prioritize effectively. They must quickly connect callers to the appropriate departments or personnel while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously and adapting to rapidly changing situations are key, and operators typically receive training and support from their team to help manage these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hospital Switchboard Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hospital Switchboard Operator, you need strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with telephone switchboard systems, paging software, and basic computer applications is typically required. Excellent customer service, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills. These skills ensure efficient call management, accurate message delivery, and effective coordination in a hospital’s fast-paced environment.

What does a Switchboard Operator do at a hospital?

A hospital switchboard operator manages the phone system, connecting callers to appropriate departments, staff, or emergency services. They handle incoming and outgoing calls, relay messages, and ensure effective communication within the hospital environment, often using a multi-line phone system and maintaining confidentiality. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Hospital Switchboard Operator vs Medical Receptionist?

AspectHospital Switchboard OperatorMedical Receptionist
CredentialsNone mandatory, communication skills preferredHigh school diploma, medical office training often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospital or healthcare facility front deskMedical office, clinic, or hospital reception area
Primary DutiesAnswering calls, routing calls, emergency communicationScheduling appointments, patient check-in, administrative tasks

The Hospital Switchboard Operator primarily manages communication within the hospital, focusing on call routing and emergency communication. In contrast, the Medical Receptionist handles patient interactions, scheduling, and administrative duties. Both roles are essential in healthcare settings but serve different functions related to communication and patient management.

More about Hospital Switchboard Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Hospital Switchboard Operator jobs? Cities with the most Hospital Switchboard Operator job openings:
What states have the most Hospital Switchboard Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Hospital Switchboard Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hospital Switchboard Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hospital Switchboard Operator jobs are:
Hospital Switchboard Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hospital Switchboard Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,841 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Care Access Switchboard Operator

Care Access Switchboard Operator

York Hospital

York, ME • On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

York Hospital (Maine) rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Care Access Team at York Hospital is currently accepting applications for our Switchboard Operator position.
The Hospital Switchboard is a specialty of the Care Access Department and reports to the Director of the Call Center and Care Access. The Switchboard Operator responds to telephone calls in a timely, professional and courteous manner. While maintaining patient confidentiality requirements, provide information, as needed meeting our high level of customer service requirements. In addition, assistance is provided to concierge personnel or to visitors in their absence. On-call schedules are organized and maintained to efficiently facilitate contacting departments off hours.
Responsibilities and Duties for this position include:
  • Answer all calls and respond to requests in a timely, professional and courteous manner utilizing computer system and documentation as needed.
  • Follows customer service standards for phone communications as set by department management.
  • Monitor and verify telephone trunk lines, voice mail, tow-way radios, and beepers are operational, place service call to appropriate vendor and notify appropriate hospital personnel.
  • Requests assistance from Supervisor and/or Coordinator when encountering challenging calls or the need for clarification.
  • Assists callers with information as needed.
  • Responsible for hospital overhead paging.
  • Pages all personnel based upon approved schedule as needed.
  • Understands and interprets all hospital codes and identifies communication action for each code.
  • Responds to hospital codes and notifies all pertinent hospital personnel as required by department procedures.
  • Records all responses to hospital codes.
  • Records all pages sent to on-call personnel.
  • Immediately answers Emergency / 123 lines and responds immediately by notifying the appropriate staff.
  • Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency to all emergency calls.
  • Assists staff and patients with long distance calls as authorized in established department procedures. Records the required information on the long-distance log sheet.
  • Follows medical center's policy regarding releasing any patient information.
  • Handles each call in a professional manner and treats callers with respect and courtesy.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • At least 18 years of age
  • High school diploma or verifiable high school diploma or GED (Certificates of completion not acceptable).
  • Previous experience within a call center and/or switchboard operator within a healthcare setting is preferred.
  • Knowledge of telephone functionality, voice mail, two-way radios, beepers, paging, security, fire, monitoring, emergency and alarm systems and procedures is preferred.
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills.
  • Must possess effective written and oral communication and interpersonal skills with ability to deal with all levels of personnel and the general public in a professional and effective manner; must be able to use initiatives and independent judgement within established guidelines.
  • Excellent time management skills, the ability to make timely and sound decisions on urgent problems, and the ability to juggle many competing priorities and demands for time.

For Immediate consideration, please complete online application.
YORK HOSPITAL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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