How much does a Switchboard operator make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Switchboard operator

Switchboard operator

29 800 kr

Telephonists

27 700 - 34 600 kr / month

Women earn 92% of what men do.

Administration, ekonomi

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Switchboard operator

Average salary 29 800 kr
Males 31 700 kr
Females 29 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 11 Vacant jobs ->

What does a switchboard operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A switchboard operator is responsible for answering and transferring calls, providing information, and often performing simple administrative tasks. The role involves handling incoming calls from customers, partners, and colleagues, as well as sometimes managing emails and digital inquiries. The work environment is usually office-based and can be both fast-paced and social, with requirements for good service skills and clear communication. Switchboard operators often work in teams, but there are also cases of solo work depending on the workplace size and operational needs.

Salary development over time

The profession of switchboard operators has seen steady salary increases in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,600 SEK per month, increasing to 29 000 in 2023. The latest figures from 2024 show a continued rise to 29 800, representing an approximately 8% increase over the three-year period. This positive trend reflects a growing demand for service-oriented roles and the need to attract and retain skilled personnel in both public and private sectors. Salary increases can also be explained by increased digitalization and expanded responsibilities, where the switchboard operator often takes on broader tasks.

Switchboard operator salary – comprehensive overview

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

Education and qualifications

To work as a switchboard operator, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on administration, commerce, or service. Many employers also seek good language skills and computer literacy. Practical experience in customer service or reception is advantageous, and some employers offer internal training or orientation programs for new hires.

  • High school education: 3 years, often with a focus on administration or commerce
  • Internal training: Common at larger workplaces
  • Language skills: Swedish and often English required
  • Computer skills: Basic IT competence is important
  • Valuable experience: Customer service, reception, or similar roles

Many switchboard operators quickly become experts in the internal structure and contact pathways within the organization. Mastering this can make them an invaluable resource for colleagues and management, as they often serve as the hub for internal and external communication.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pension, and sometimes subsidized lunch or public transport are often offered. Several employers also provide flexible working hours, remote work options, and staff discounts. Working unsocial hours may include additional pay, especially in the public sector.

Competition and challenges

The job market for switchboard operators is characterized by relatively stable demand, with 758 reported job openings in the latest statistics. Competition for positions can vary depending on the region, with larger cities often having more vacancies but also more applicants. Digitalization and automation of switchboard functions have led to changes in job tasks and requirements for broader skills in customer service and IT. A challenge is managing stressful situations and multiple calls simultaneously, requiring good multitasking and patience. Salary differences between men and women still exist within the profession, which can affect motivation and work environment.

Tips for those wanting to become a switchboard operator

To succeed as a switchboard operator, it is good to be service-minded and genuinely interested in helping others, which makes it easier to handle customers and colleagues professionally. It is important to be resilient to stress and able to work calmly even when many calls are ongoing. Good communication skills, both spoken and written, are essential for providing quick and accurate information and creating a good impression. Attention to detail helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures calls are transferred correctly. Being flexible and adaptable facilitates handling varying tasks or changes in technical solutions. Finally, showing engagement and willingness to learn new systems and routines is often appreciated by employers in this industry.

Key facts about Switchboard Operator

  • Education level: High school diploma (3 years)
  • Work environment: Office-based, often fast-paced and social
  • Typical work arrangement: Full-time or part-time, sometimes shifts
  • Demand: 758 available jobs in Sweden
  • Special skills: Customer service, communication, and IT proficiency

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a switchboard operator, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as team leader, administrator, or receptionist with increased responsibilities. Others choose to further their education in customer service, HR, or IT support. The Employment Service’s forecasts indicate continued stable demand for switchboard operators, especially in the public sector and larger organizations where personal service remains important. Digitalization is expected to continue influencing the profession, but human contact is still considered valuable in many operations (Source: Arbetsförmedlingen).

Frequently asked questions about Switchboard Operator

  • What does a switchboard operator earn?
    - The average salary is 29 800 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 179 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a switchboard operator?
    - High school education, preferably with a focus on administration or commerce, and good computer skills.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the work environment like for switchboard operators?
    - Office-based, often fast-paced and social environment with demands for good service.
  • What career opportunities are available after a few years?
    - Opportunities for roles such as team leader, administrator, or further education in customer service.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - Demand is stable, with 758 reported job openings according to the latest statistics.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 16:56:24

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Switchboard operator is 34600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a high school education, 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 32200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Switchboard operator is 27700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 28500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 24100 kr 26200 kr
25-34 26800 kr 28900 kr
35-44 27700 kr 29400 kr
45-54 29100 kr 30900 kr
55-64 31200 kr 33700 kr
Snitt 92% 27800 kr 29800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Switchboard operator has the SSYK code 4223, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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