How To Become A PBX Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a pbx operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A PBX operator is responsible for switching calls on local lines within the internal telephone system of a large company or corporation. PBX stands for private branch exchange and is a system that enables users to have external telephone lines without having to maintain a separate line for each user.

A PBX operator is the modern-day replica of a switchboard operator who routes calls within the company, transfers information, takes and forwards messages, and deals with administrative tasks. Handling emergency calls and screening dangerous situations, and informing security in case of any suspicious activity related to the phone lines is also on the PBX operator.

Customer service skills will be your most valuable asset when applying for a PBX operator position, beating any formal education or degree. With a high school diploma, basic computer skills, experience in word processing and data entry, you will be the ideal candidate. Whatever else you need, you will pick up from your colleagues or over the course of on-the-job training.

ScorePBX OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.3

Avg. Salary $29,942

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

3.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.22%

Asian 3.25%

Black or African American 14.28%

Hispanic or Latino 18.39%

Unknown 3.65%

White 59.20%

Gender

female 85.55%

male 14.45%

Age - 57

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 57

Stress Level

8.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

7.3

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

10.0

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a pbx operator

Explore pbx operator education requirements

Most common pbx operator degrees

High School Diploma

33.3 %

Bachelor's

24.0 %

Associate

24.0 %

Start to develop specific pbx operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	20.57%
Patients	17.73%
Emergency Codes	7.34%
Reservations	5.96%
Front Desk	5.27%

Complete relevant pbx operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New pbx operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a pbx operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real pbx operator resumes.

Research pbx operator duties and responsibilities

Manage incoming calls from switchboard and delivery of accurate messages to appropriate individuals in timely manner
Process all guest reservations including guest follow up obtaining all necessary information and accurately entering it into computer system.
Utilize the features of the PBX consoles, headsets, telephones and other relate equipment.
Direct call to guest rooms, staff, or departments through the switchboard or PBX system.

Prepare your pbx operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your pbx operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a pbx operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable PBX Operator Resume templates

Build a professional PBX Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your PBX Operator resume.

Apply for pbx operator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a pbx operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do pbx operators rate their job?

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PBX Operator reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019

Pros

Really likes people and shows it through courtesy and co-operation,willing to observe company rules and goes an extra mile.

Cons

Not to upset my clients and the company reputation.