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Switchboard Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Alan B. Miller Medical Center

RECEPTIONIST

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Answer and disseminate all incoming calls on the switchboard in a professional and courteous manner ... Operating acute care inpatient facilities, behavioral health inpatient facilities, outpatient ...

Wellington Regional Medical Center

RECEPTIONIST

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Answer and disseminate all incoming calls on the switchboard in a professional and courteous manner ... Operating acute care inpatient facilities, behavioral health inpatient facilities, outpatient ...

CW and Sons Infrastructure, Inc

Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

The Operator must: * 3+ years of experience on large excavators (ie John Deere 180 or larger), backhoes and/or front end loaders. * Responsible for safe operation and maintenance (ie greasing) of ...

Goodwill

Administrative Receptionist

Washington, DC · On-site

$19.25 - $23.50/hr

Uses proper telephone etiquette while operating the switchboard to receive incoming calls. * Accurately transcribes messages left on overnight answering machine and distributes to appropriate staff.

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Switchboard Operator information

See Washington salary details

$10

$18

$27

How much do switchboard operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for switchboard operator in Washington is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a switchboard operator do?

A switchboard operator answers the phone and directs calls at an organization. They are often trained to answer general, company-related questions from incoming callers. Switchboard operators are usually the first point of contact at a sizable corporation and are expected to transfer calls to the appropriate department or individual in a polite and timely manner. A switchboard operator’s primary job description consists of answering and transferring calls, though they may have many other job duties as well. They are trusted with numerous phone lines and extensions and are instructed to keep a detailed record of all incoming and transferred call information. Switchboard operators may be called upon to perform clerical and administrative tasks or even receptionist duties, such as checking in clients for appointments. In hospital settings, switchboard operators are required to learn the use of pager systems to alert doctors of incoming messages. They may also be asked to register patients into facility rooms before an examination. In some cases, switchboard operators are even required to act as emergency first responders and direct urgent medical or safety-related calls to the appropriate party.

What does a switchboard operator do?

A Switchboard Operator is responsible for managing incoming and outgoing calls in an organization, often using a telephone switchboard or computer system. They answer calls, direct them to the appropriate departments or individuals, and may also take messages, provide information, or handle basic customer service inquiries. Switchboard Operators play a key role in ensuring effective communication within businesses, hospitals, hotels, or other institutions. Strong communication skills and the ability to multitask are essential for this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a switchboard operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Switchboard Operator, you need excellent verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with multi-line phone systems, call routing software, and office communication tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help operators manage high call volumes and diverse inquiries. These abilities ensure efficient communication flow and a positive experience for callers and staff.

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

Switchboard operators often manage a high volume of calls and must handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as transferring calls, taking messages, and providing information. One common challenge is maintaining focus and composure during busy periods or when dealing with difficult callers. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and familiarity with the organization's directory can help operators respond efficiently. Additionally, teamwork and clear protocols ensure smooth coordination with other departments, making the role more manageable and rewarding.

What is the difference between Switchboard Operator vs Receptionist?

AspectSwitchboard OperatorReceptionist
CredentialsMinimal; often basic communication skillsMinimal; often basic communication skills
Work EnvironmentCall centers, hotels, hospitalsOffice front desks, corporate buildings, clinics
Employer & IndustryTelecommunications, hospitality, healthcareCorporate, healthcare, hospitality

While both roles involve communication and customer service, a Switchboard Operator primarily manages incoming calls and directs them within organizations like hospitals or hotels. A Receptionist handles visitor interactions, administrative tasks, and front desk duties. The roles overlap in communication skills but differ in focus and responsibilities.

Do switchboard operators still exist?

Switchboard operators are now rare and mostly obsolete due to advances in automated telephone systems and digital communication technology. Some may still work in specialized or historical settings, but the role has largely been replaced by automated call routing and modern telephony systems.
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The top searched job categories for Switchboard Operator jobs in Washington are:

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For Switchboard Operator jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Switchboard Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Switchboard Operator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,461 per year, or $19 per hour.

RECEPTIONIST

Alan B. Miller Medical Center

Washington, DC • On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 hours ago

Job description

Front Desk Intake Receptionist

The Psychiatric Institute of Washington provides comprehensive behavioral healthcare for children, adolescents, adults, and senior adults suffering from mental health and addictive illnesses. PIW is a 130 bed, short-term, acute care hospital offering inpatient, partial and intensive outpatient hospitalization, as well as specialized treatment programs for chemical dependency. PIW has an excellent reputation as an innovative hospital with caring, dedicated staff, experienced in the delivery of behavioral healthcare. Situated in the safe, historical Tenleytown neighborhood, PIW is one mile from the Tenleytown Metro stop and within walking distance to local cafes and restaurants.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Answer and disseminate all incoming calls on the switchboard in a professional and courteous manner in a timely fashion.
  • Provide clerical support to the Intake team
  • Assists with various clerical duties as well as utilization of the paging system to announce callers and codes as required.
  • Document and make notification of all incoming deliveries.
  • Assist with assessment and registration of patients, collect insurance and patient identification.
  • Will administer and assist with complete appropriate paperwork for new admissions.

Benefit Highlights:

  • Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Challenging and rewarding work environment
  • Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
  • 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
  • SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
  • Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!

About Universal Health Services:

One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500® corporation, annual revenues during 2025 were $17.4 billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™ and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ranking of America's Largest Public Companies. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care inpatient facilities, behavioral health inpatient facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.

Qualifications:

  • High School Graduate or GED required
  • BLS certification
  • Two or more years experience on a multi-line telephone switchboard, preferably in an inpatient hospital, mental health facility or detox facility a plus care

EEO Statement: All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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