Telephone Operators
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.
Common Job Titles
- 411 Directory Assistance Operator (411 Directory Assistance Op)
- Directory Assistance Operator (Directory Assistance Op)
- Phone Operator (Telephone Operator)
- TELECOM Op (Telecommunications Operator)
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Telephone Operators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
3,950
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $31,440. 25th percentile: U.S. $35,860. 50th percentile: U.S. $39,130. 75th percentile: U.S. $48,530. 90th percentile: U.S. $57,510. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $31,440 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $57,510 |
| Workers on average earn | $42,880 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- Telecommunications3.8/5
- Administrative3.6/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Computers and Electronics3.1/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Computer aided dispatch software
- Handheld computer device software
- Operating system software
- Video conference software
- Word processing software
Tools & Equipment
- 10-key calculators
- Alarm system monitors
- Computer laser printers
- Copy machines
- Electric typewriters
- Laser facsimile machines
- Mobile radios
- Multiline telephone systems