Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $46,730 +21.8% vs national
Median hourly $22.47
10th percentile $35,320
90th percentile $61,330
Employed locally 420
National median $38,370

Compare Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service salary & buying power

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Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $35,320
    25th
    $40,360
    50th (median)
    $46,730
    75th
    $55,140
    90th
    $61,330

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service salary vs area income 38% Median Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service salary is 62% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $73,220
    Modesto, CA $61,760
    Urban Honolulu, HI $61,350
    Barnstable Town, MA $59,810
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $59,500
    Stockton-Lodi, CA $58,750

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Office Clerks, General $51,270
    Customer Service Representatives $44,800
    Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $51,580
    First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $75,280
    Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $57,010
    Receptionists and Information Clerks $39,760

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $22.47, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $29.61 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service salaries?

    The median Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 21.8% above the national median of $38,370. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service in Washington?

    Entry-level Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service (10th percentile) earn around $35,320 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $40,360.