Switchboard Operators on the State Payroll

In 2008, switchboard operators on the state payroll made 29% more in wages on average than their counterparts in the rest of Illinois.

by Amanda Griffin-Johnson

Using our transparency website, IllinoisOpenGov.org, I found that in 2008, various state agencies had a total of 94 switchboard operators on their payrolls. The average annual wages for these state switchboard operators was $33,235 – 29% higher than the $25,700 in annual wages the Bureau of Labor Statisticsestimates switchboard operators received on average in Illinois. The Department of Human Servicesemployed the most switchboard operators with 73 on payroll. The average annual wages for DHS switchboard operators was $32,985. The table below breaks the average and total wages by agency.

To find this information on the IllinoisOpenGov site, go to “Payroll” and search for “switchboard operator” and “operator switchboard” in the “Position” field.