What Do Answering Service Operators Do?

Doctors and other professionals who need to be reachable 24 hours per day often hire an answering service to assist them. Answering service operators are the individual workers who staff answering services.

Function

Answering service operators answer telephone calls from people trying to reach a doctor or other professional. The operator gathers information about the reason for the call and then contacts the professional by phone, page or email and relays the message.

Time Frame

Answering service operators are often required to work during times when most professionals are off work, such as evenings and overnight as well as on weekends and holidays.

Benefits

Answering service operators allow professionals to handle any problems that arise with their clients or patients, but prevent clients from calling them directly. This protects the privacy of professionals.

Education

There is generally no specific education requirement for work as an answering service operator, but most employers prefer applicants with a high school diploma or GED. A pleasant speaking voice and proper grammar are also beneficial. In some areas, answering services look for operators who are fluent in more than one language.

Compensation

In May 2008, the average annual salary for answering service operators was $25,250, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Communications Equipment Operators
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2008