How to become telemarketerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Sales Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$35,450

25th–75th pct. $29,640–$40,230

Top pay (est.)

$65,500

Top 10% $50,350

Pay in 5 years

$38,900est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$42,700est.

$36,700–$49,500

Outlook score

23/100

★☆☆☆☆ Weak

AI replacement risk

61%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

−21.4%

5,800 openings / yr

How to become telemarketers

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Telemarketers

Key skills

Active Listening

3.9

Speaking

3.8

Persuasion

3.6

Reading Comprehension

3.2

Service Orientation

3.1

Critical Thinking

3.1

Social Perceptiveness

3.0

Negotiation

2.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Sales and Marketing

4.8

Customer and Personal Service

4.2

English Language

3.8

Administrative

3.6

Computers and Electronics

3.2

Communications and Media

2.8

Administration and Management

2.5

Law and Government

2.4

What the work involves

Selling or Influencing OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationGetting InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Speech ClarityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionNear VisionWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

High school diploma

39%

Some college

37%

Less than high school

20%

Associate's degree

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

50%

1–3 months

22%

6–12 months

2–4 years

1–2 years

None / short demo

3–6 months

Related work experience

None

53%

1–2 years

13%

3–6 months

11%

6–12 months

11%

2–4 years

1–3 months

6–8 years

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as telemarketers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel Sell services to individuals or businesses.	$69,990	49/100	63%
2	Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals.	$72,080	43/100	46%
3	Insurance Sales Agents Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance.	$62,280	47/100	64%
4	Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.	$104,920	49/100	59%
5	Sales and Related Workers, All Other All sales and related workers not listed separately.	$48,280	50/100	40%
6	Advertising Sales Agents Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.	$64,820	32/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.