Clerk, operator

What does an expediter, telephone operator do? – Tasks and work environment

An expediter, telephone operator's main task is to handle incoming and outgoing calls in companies, authorities, or organizations. The workday involves quickly and accurately transferring calls, providing information, receiving messages, and sometimes handling simpler administrative tasks such as bookings or mail management. The profession often plays a central role in internal and external communication, requiring patience, service orientation, and the ability to communicate clearly. The work environment is usually office-based, often in open-plan offices or dedicated call centers, with demands for high concentration and stress resistance during periods of high call volume.

Salary development over time

The salary for an expediter, telephone operator has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,600 SEK, which increased to 29 000 SEK in 2023. The positive trend has continued, and in 2024 the average salary is 29 800 SEK. This corresponds to a total increase of about 8% over three years, which is in line with salary developments for similar professions within service and administration. Factors driving this development include an increased need for effective customer communication, some staff shortages, and employers increasingly rewarding experience and language skills. Despite this progress, clear salary differences between men and women in the profession remain.

Expediter, telephone operator salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 29 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,700 SEK/month (female, private sector)
• Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (male, public sector)
• Hourly wage (average): 179 SEK
• Women earn: 29200 SEK/month (92% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 31 700 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as an expediter, telephone operator, a minimum of high school education is usually required, preferably with a focus on administration, commerce, or service. Some employers offer internal training, while others require prior experience in customer service, switchboard operation, or similar administrative roles. Technical skills, good language abilities, and stress tolerance are desirable qualities. For those wishing to improve their chances of employment, certification courses in customer communication or telephony can be advantageous.

• High school diploma: 3 years, preferably with a focus on commerce, administration, or service
• Experience in customer service or switchboard operation: Meritorious but not always required
• Internal training: Common among larger employers
• Technical skills: Basic IT and telephony systems
• Language skills: Swedish, often also English

Common benefits and compensations

Expediters and telephone operators are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized lunches, and flexible working hours. In some cases, collective agreement-based insurances, occupational pensions, and extra vacation days are included. For those working in larger organizations, opportunities for skills development and further training may also be part of the benefits package.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an expediter, telephone operator varies depending on the region and employer, but there is generally stable demand on the job market. Digitalization has streamlined many routines, but personal service and the ability to handle complex issues via phone are still valued by both private and public employers. Challenges in the profession mainly involve managing a high work pace, stressful situations, and sometimes demanding customers. Additionally, automation and new technological solutions require telephone operators to continuously develop their digital skills. Salary differences between genders are still noticeable and reflect the industry's challenges with gender equality.

Tips for those who want to become an expediter, telephone operator

To succeed as an expediter, telephone operator, it is good to have a strong service orientation and be attentive to the needs of both customers and colleagues. Training stress resilience and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously is crucial, especially during periods of high call volume. A communicative and clear demeanor facilitates quick and accurate information transfer. Precision and a sense of responsibility are important, as small mistakes can have significant consequences in the information flow. Developing technical skills and staying updated on new telephony systems provide an advantage in the job market. Initiative and a positive attitude help create a good work environment and increase opportunities for advancement. Finally, patience and the ability to treat people with respect and friendliness are fundamental qualities in the profession.

Key facts about an expediter, telephone operator

• Education level: High school education, often with a focus on service
• Work environment: Office-based, call center or reception
• Job market: 758 job openings in Sweden (2024)
• Gender distribution: Majority women, but men are present
• Technical requirements: Basic IT and telephony skills

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an expediter, telephone operator, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as customer service manager, team leader, or administrator within larger companies and the public sector. Some choose to broaden their skills toward reception, HR assistance, or other administrative functions. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued stable demand, especially in regions where service and administration are central to business. Digitalization and automation influence the profession, but personal and effective communication is difficult to fully replace, providing good future prospects for those who are flexible and willing to develop.

Common questions about an expediter, telephone operator

• What is the average salary for an expediter, telephone operator?
  - The average salary is 29 800 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do within the profession.
• What education is required?
  - High school education with a focus on service or administration is most common.
• What are the future prospects?
  - The profession has stable demand with 758 job openings registered in 2024.
• What are the most common tasks?
  - Mainly answering and transferring calls, providing information, and handling simpler administrative tasks.
• What is the lowest and highest salary for the profession?
  - The lowest salary is 27,700 SEK/month and the highest is 34,600 SEK/month.
• What qualities are important for an expediter, telephone operator?
  - Service-mindedness, stress tolerance, and good communication skills are central.