Telemarketers
O*NET 41-9041.00 · SOC 41-9041
Telemarketer is a risky career choice. Median pay is $35k a year with -21.4% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 5,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Call potential customers to promote products or services.
- →Read from prepared scripts to deliver sales pitches.
- →Record customer information and responses in a database.
- →Handle customer objections and answer basic product questions.
- →Schedule follow-up calls with interested potential customers.
Education & How to Get In
Telemarketer roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Leadership — offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative — frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Telemarketer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Telemarketer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Telemarketer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Telemarketers is projected to decline 21.4% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·50% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
- ·41% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace
- ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Telemarketer make?
The median Telemarketer earns $35k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Telemarketer jobs?
Our model puts Telemarketer at 64 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 50% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 41% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace.
Is Telemarketer a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 21.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 5,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Telemarketer?
Most Telemarketer roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Telemarketer?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Telemarketer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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