What is the salary of a Telephone Operator?

The typical salary range is $27,391 - $54,782 per year.

Human Resources & ConsultingDeclining

Telephone Operator

Operational-level

Also 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)

Human Resources & ConsultingBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.

TelecommunicationsCustomer SupportCall Center OperationsInformation ServicesCommunicationProblem SolvingAdministrative SupportCustomer ServiceOperations

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word

In-demand software

Microsoft Office software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-27.6%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

200

per year (US)

Jobs today

3,500

in 2025 → 2,500 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

High

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

High

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

This field is experiencing contraction with decreasing job opportunities. Consider developing skills in related growing fields.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Customer Service Representative (Tier 1)
Receptionist
Switchboard Operator

Telephone Operator

Where it can lead

Call Center Supervisor
Dispatcher
Customer Service Manager

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly automate routine call routing, information retrieval, and basic customer inquiries, reducing the need for traditional telephone operators. The role will shift towards handling complex, emotionally sensitive, or unique situations that require human empathy and nuanced problem-solving. Operators may transition to support AI systems or specialize in high-touch customer care.

Salary

$41,740

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position