Telephone Operators

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

Provide information by accessing alphabetical, geographical, or other directories. Assist customers with special billing requests, such as charges to a third party and credits or refunds for incorrectly dialed numbers or bad connections. May handle emergency calls and assist children or people with physical disabilities to make telephone calls.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $41,740/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$31,510$62,950

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: -27.5% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.

About 300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

SpeakingActive ListeningService OrientationSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingCoordinationTime Management

Top knowledge areas

Customer and Personal ServiceTelecommunicationsAdministrativeEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and ManagementPublic Safety and SecurityEducation and Training

Core tasks

• Observe signal lights on switchboards, and dial or press buttons to make connections.

• Operate telephone switchboards and systems to advance and complete connections, including those for local, long distance, pay telephone, mobile, person-to-person, and emergency calls.

• Listen to customer requests, referring to alphabetical or geographical directories to answer questions and provide telephone information.

• Update directory information.

• Suggest and check alternate spellings, locations, or listing formats to customers lacking details or complete information.

• Perform clerical duties such as typing, proofreading, and sorting mail.

• Offer special assistance to persons such as those who are unable to dial or who are in emergency situations.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Telephone Operators?

The median pay for Telephone Operators is $41,740 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Telephone Operators?

Employment for Telephone Operators is projected to change -27.5% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.

What education is typically required for Telephone Operators?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Telephone Operators?

About 300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.