Telemarketers

Solicit donations or orders for goods or services over the telephone.

SOC: 41-9041.00

Common Job Titles

  • Telemarketer
  • Telephone Sales Representative (TSR)
  • Telephone Service Representative (TSR)
  • Telesales Representative (Telesales Rep)

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • MindsetEngage potential customers through telephone outreach using persuasive communication techniques to solicit donations or orders.
  • KnowledgeApply sales and marketing strategies during outbound calls to influence purchasing decisions and maximize conversion rates.
  • MindsetRespond to customer concerns and objections through active listening to build rapport and address needs effectively.
  • KnowledgeApply product knowledge and service information to answer customer questions accurately and present compelling value propositions.
  • KnowledgeApply customer service principles to build positive relationships and enhance organizational reputation during outbound interactions.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze customer responses and call data using CRM software to identify sales opportunities and adjust approach.
  • Hands-onOperate autodialing equipment and call recording systems following established protocols to manage high call volumes efficiently.
  • KnowledgeInterpret call scripts and promotional guidelines to deliver consistent messaging while adapting to individual customer interactions.
  • MindsetAccept rejection and maintain professional demeanor when encountering uninterested prospects during high-volume calling campaigns.
  • KnowledgeApply negotiation techniques to resolve customer hesitations and close sales within established pricing parameters.
  • KnowledgeOperate Microsoft Office applications and CRM software to document call outcomes, process orders, and maintain accurate customer records.
  • KnowledgeEstimate customer interest levels and buying signals using social perceptiveness to tailor pitch intensity and timing.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Telemarketers (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

66,430

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $24,620. 25th percentile: U.S. $29,120. 50th percentile: U.S. $34,410. 75th percentile: U.S. $38,640. 90th percentile: U.S. $48,930. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$24,620
10% of workers earn the following or more$48,930
Workers on average earn$36,340

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Sales and Marketing4.3/5
  • Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
  • English Language3.8/5
  • Computers and Electronics3.1/5
  • Administration and Management3.1/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Salesforce software
  • Zoom

Technology Skills

  • Acarda Sales Technologies Acarda Outbound
  • Automatic call distribution software
  • Customer relationship management CRM software
  • Database Systems Corp Telemation
  • Interactive voice response software
  • Remote access call center software
  • Softphone software

Tools & Equipment

  • Autodialing equipment
  • Call recording systems
  • Multiline telephone systems
  • Personal computers
  • Predictive dialers
  • Telephone headsets
  • Wireless telephone headsets