Switchboard Operator, Including Answering Service Salary in Washington (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service in Washington, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Washington Median
$47,800
per year
Hourly Rate
$22.98
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+24% vs US median
US median $38,630
State Rank
#4 of 46
430 employed here

How much does a Switchboard Operator, Including Answering Service make in Washington?

A Switchboard Operator, Including Answering Service working in Washington earns a median salary of $47,800 per year, or about $22.98 per hour. That is 24% above the national median of $38,630 for this occupation.

Within Washington, entry-level pay starts around $36,850 while the top 10% make $60,590 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $41,040 and $52,870 a year.

Switchboard Operator, Including Answering Service salary range in Washington

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$36,850$17.72
25th percentile (early career)$41,040$19.73
50th percentile (median)$47,800$22.98
75th percentile (experienced)$52,870$25.42
90th percentile (top earners)$60,590$29.13

How Washington compares

Washington ranks 4th out of 46 states and territories for Switchboard Operator, Including Answering Service pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Hawaii$59,860
2District of Columbia$54,700
3California$48,840
4Washington$47,800
5Minnesota$47,430

Working as a Switchboard Operator, Including Answering Service in Washington

Nationally, about 34,000 people work as Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Washington pay ($47,800) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Switchboard Operator, Including Answering Service make in Washington?
The median Switchboard Operator, Including Answering Service salary in Washington is $47,800 per year, or about $22.98 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $36,850 at the entry level to $60,590 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Washington pay compare to the national average?
Washington pays Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service about 24% more than the national median of $38,630. Washington ranks 4th out of 46 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Washington a good state for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service?
Yes on pay — Washington pays above the national median for this occupation, at $47,800 a year. About 430 Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service are employed in Washington. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Washington?
The highest-paying occupations in Washington include Cardiologist ($656,330), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($553,310), Dermatologist ($526,170), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Switchboard Operator, Including Answering Service salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.