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Hospital Switchboard Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maine Medical Center

Switchboard Operator

Belfast, ME · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Description Waldo Hospital Professional - Nonclinical Req #: 70586 Summary: The Switchboard Operator role is responsible for prompt and efficient telephone communications between persons outside and ...

Prime Healthcare

Switchboard Operator

Chicago, IL

$16.60 - $24.05/hr

Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital Location: Chicago, IL The Switchboard Operator / Receptionist is responsible for answering the switchboard and pages overhead, greets and directs people to the ...

Salem Regional Medical Center

Switchboard Operator

Salem, OH · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Position: Full Time Switchboard Operator Department : Information Services Shift: Varies, 8 hr ... The Switchbaord Operator handles all communications of the Hospital to include: System 75(AT&T ...

HealthPartners

Switchboard Operator

Saint Louis Park, MN · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Methodist Hospital is looking to hire a Switchboard Operator to join our switchboard team! Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients ...

Prime Healthcare

Switchboard Operator

Kankakee, IL

$16.20 - $23.46/hr

Mary's Hospital • Location: Kankakee, IL 60901 The Switchboard Operator / Receptionist is responsible for answering the switchboard and pages overhead, greets and directs people to the appropriate ...

Prime Healthcare

Switchboard Operator

Chicago, IL

$16.60 - $24.05/hr

Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital Location: Chicago, IL The Switchboard Operator / Receptionist is responsible for answering the switchboard and pages overhead, greets and directs people to the ...

Prime Healthcare

Switchboard Operator

Chicago, IL

$16.60 - $24.05/hr

Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital Location: Chicago, IL The Switchboard Operator / Receptionist is responsible for answering the switchboard and pages overhead, greets and directs people to the ...

Prime Healthcare

Switchboard Operator

Chicago, IL

$16.60 - $24.05/hr

Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital Location: Chicago, IL The Switchboard Operator / Receptionist is responsible for answering the switchboard and pages overhead, greets and directs people to the ...

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Hospital Switchboard Operator information

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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.

SWITCHBOARD OPERATOR

VIA VISUALLY IMPAIRED ADVANCEMENT

Buffalo, NY • On-site

$18.29 - $21.03/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Employment Opportunity

Switchboard Operator

Job Description:

VIA Visually Impaired Advancement is seeking a Switchboard Operator to work 16-40 hours per week. This position is primarily responsible for answering external and internal calls at the Buffalo VA hospital.


Shift times may include daytime, evening, weekend and overnights. Ability to work holidays as scheduled. Applicants will be expected to maintain flexibility in scheduling to the extent practical to meet the needs of a 24 hour switchboard.


Essential Functions:
• Direct callers to desired area
• Execute hospital emergency codes
• Contact on-call physicians, medical and surgical teams, and key hospital staff
• Provide communication support to hospital staff
• Provide patient information as requested
• Provide general information to all patients, visitors, and VA staff


Competencies:

• Demonstrate basic keyboarding and computer skills
• Proficient in use of assistive technology
• Demonstrate excellent internal and external customer service
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable communicating with individuals in crisis or experiencing high levels of stress
• Effectively work with individuals of diverse backgrounds
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, customers, vendors and/or outside agencies
• Prioritize demands and respond accordingly
• Demonstrate detail orientation in completion of duties
• Apply agency standards in performance of position duties
• Demonstrate ability to problem solve when faced with ambiguity
• Ability to work independently


Qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent

• Minimum of 6 months in switchboard operation in a hospital setting or related experience

• Ability to provide documentation of legal blindness preferred


VIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at (716)882-1025.