Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service Salary in Iowa

In Iowa we have BLS pay data for switchboard operators, including answering service in Des Moines only, where the average is $41,670 a year. Statewide, BLS puts the switchboard operators, including answering service average at $40,010 and the median at $38,400 for 210 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $42,300.

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service average salary by city in Iowa

Des Moines$41,670

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Des Moines	$41,670	$41,100	$39,330	$34,690	92

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Iowa school district surtaxes (a percentage of state tax in some districts) are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service salary in other states

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service salary by city and state

More about pay in Iowa

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 43-2011.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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