Switchboard and answering service operators
Switchboard and answering service operators operate a telephone system or switchboard to answer, screen and forward telephone calls and provide information.
Good
Market Demand
TEER 4
Skill Level
SK, PE, NS
Top Provinces
What They Do
- Operate a telephone system or switchboard to answer, screen and forward telephone calls, take messages and provide information as required, and may perform clerical duties
- Answer telephones and record and relay messages.
Qualifications
- checkCompletion of secondary school is usually required.
- checkOn-the-job training may be provided.
Market Outlook by Province
Saskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Good for receptionists (NOC 14101) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.High labour demand in health care should sustain and generate new job opportunities for this occupation, since six in ten receptionists in Saskatchewan work in health care.The widespread adoption of web-based information systems has likely broadened the range of duties for this occupation.Greater use of technology and automation to perform administrative tasks may temper opportunities in this occupation. Here are some key facts about receptionists in Saskatchewan: Approximately 5,250 people work in this occupation. Receptionists mainly work in the following sectors: Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 28%Hospitals (NAICS 622): 16%Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 8%Personal and laundry services (NAICS 812): 5% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 71% compared to 81% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 28% compared to 19% for all occupations56% of receptionists work all year, while 43% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.Less than 5% of receptionists are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 6% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: 94% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 7% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 45% compared to 33% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 15% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 20% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 9% compared to 18% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
Good
Outlook
Prince Edward Island
The employment outlook will be Moderate for receptionists (NOC 14101) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.Receptionists continue to be employed across healthcare, education, government, and business sectors, where they manage front-line communications, scheduling, and administrative support. While automated phone systems and virtual reception services have changed the nature of the role, demand remains steady due to high turnover and the essential need for human interaction in many workplaces. Receptionist duties now often include data entry, basic accounting, and digital coordination, making computer literacy and multitasking skills increasingly important. For individuals, strong communication, professionalism, and familiarity with office software (like Microsoft Office or scheduling platforms) should improve job prospects. Remote and hybrid opportunities continue to grow, especially in customer service and virtual office settings. Here are some key facts about receptionists in Prince Edward Island: Approximately 550 people work in this occupation. Receptionists mainly work in the following sectors: Hospitals (NAICS 622): 21%Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 19%Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71): 12%Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 9%Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 7% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 77% compared to 84% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 23% compared to 16% for all occupations53% of receptionists work all year, while 47% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 7% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 93% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 5% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 39% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 11% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 25% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 11% compared to 17% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
Nova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for receptionists (NOC 14101) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.Jobseekers may find that the market for receptionists in their area is fairly balanced, with job openings arising frequently but multiple applicants vying for them. Having previous experience is an asset.There has been a growing number of virtual reception services, which may provide jobseekers with more opportunities or the option to work from home.The skill level and responsibilities associated with this role can differ from one employer to another. Openings that are strictly a reception role are becoming less common, while an increasing number include additional responsibilities such as office administration work, sales, payroll, or social media.Here are some key facts about receptionists in Nova Scotia: Approximately 3,900 people work in this occupation. Receptionists mainly work in the following sectors: Hospitals (NAICS 622): 25%Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 24%Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 9%Personal and laundry services (NAICS 812): 5% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 72% compared to 82% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 28% compared to 18% for all occupations49% of receptionists work all year, while 51% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.Less than 5% of receptionists are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 8% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 92% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 6% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 36% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 15% compared to 20% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
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Immigration Pathways
TEER 4 occupations typically require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Not eligible for Express Entry but may qualify through provincial programs.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Atlantic Immigration Program
Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot
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Top Companies Hiring
Organizations with the most NOC 14101 openings right now.
Saskatchewan Health Authority
4 active roles · Regina, SK · Saskatoon, SK
Banff
2 active roles · Banff, AB
Health Sciences North
2 active roles · Sudbury, ON
Rejuvgroup
2 active roles · Edmonton, AB · Oakville, ON
Vca
2 active roles · Ottawa, ON · Calgary, AB
Vision Group
2 active roles · Calgary, AB · Quebec City, QC
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