Telephone operators
SOC Code: 43-2021Also known as:
411 Directory Assistance Operator (411 Directory Assistance Op), Central Office Operator (CO Op), Change Number Operator (Change Number Op), Charge Operator (Charge Op), Communications Operator (Communications Op)
Median Annual Salary
$39,130
-27.5% growth (2024-2034)
300
Openings/Year
4K
Current Jobs
What Telephone operators Do
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.
💰 Salary
$39,130
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-27.5%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
300
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
4,000
Projected Employment (2034)
2,900
Related Careers
Telemarketers
$34,410 •
-22.1% growth
Switchboard operators, including answering service
$38,370 •
-26.3% growth
Customer service representatives
$42,830 •
-5.5% growth
Receptionists and information clerks
$37,230 •
+0.0% growth
Office clerks, general
$43,630 •
-6.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
College rankings for this career path are being calculated. Check back soon!
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do telephone operators make?
The median annual salary for telephone operators is $39,130.
What education do telephone operators need?
Most telephone operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming telephone operators a good career choice?
Telephone operators is projected to see -27.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for telephone operators?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to telephone operators?
Telephone operators may also be known as: 411 Directory Assistance Operator (411 Directory Assistance Op), Central Office Operator (CO Op), Change Number Operator (Change Number Op), Charge Operator (Charge Op), Communications Operator (Communications Op), Customer Service Assistant, Directory Assistance Operator (Directory Assistance Op), Directory Operator (Directory Op), Emergency Operator (Emergency Op), Information Operator (Information Op), Information Specialist, Inward Toll Operator (Inward Toll Op), Live Source Operator (Live Source Op), Local Operator (Local Op), Local Telephone Operator (Local Phone Op), Long Distance Operator (LD Operator), Long Lines Operator (Long Lines Op), Operator (Op), PBX Operator (Post Box Exchange Operator), Phone Operator (Telephone Operator).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.