Telephone Operators
O*NET 43-2021.00 · SOC 43-2021
Telephone Operator is a risky career choice. Median pay is $42k a year with -27.6% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 200 openings a year. AI exposure: High.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Assist customers in placing local and long-distance calls.
- →Provide telephone numbers from directory assistance databases.
- →Interrupt calls to relay emergency messages to callers.
- →Troubleshoot connection issues and reroute calls as needed.
- →Charge calls to customer accounts or credit cards.
Education & How to Get In
Telephone Operator 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
Structured — offices, data centers, or remote
Independent — focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Telephone Operator involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Telephone Operator?
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 Telephone Operator 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 Telephone Operators is projected to decline 27.6% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·52% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
- ·33% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory
- ·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 Telephone Operator make?
The median Telephone Operator earns $42k 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 Telephone Operator jobs?
Our model puts Telephone Operator at 76 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is high disruption risk. The main drivers: 52% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 33% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace.
Is Telephone Operator a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 27.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Telephone Operator?
Most Telephone Operator 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 Telephone Operator?
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 Telephone Operator 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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