Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
The short answer
This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 176 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about half of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 74% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
AI could do much of this on its own
Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.
AI could do much of this on its own
Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Monitor alarm systems to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Contact security staff members when necessary, using radio-telephones.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Perform various cash handling tasks, such as collecting payments, making bank deposits, or managing petty cash.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Process incoming or outgoing mail, packages, or deliveries.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
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