How to become telephone operatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Office & Admin Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$41,740

25th–75th pct. $36,920–$51,510

Top pay (est.)

$81,800

Top 10% $62,950

Pay in 5 years

$44,600est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$47,600est.

$41,000–$55,300

Outlook score

10/100

★☆☆☆☆ Weak

AI replacement risk

79%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

−27.6%

200 openings / yr

How to become telephone operators

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

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 Telephone Operators

Key skills

Active Listening

3.6

Speaking

3.4

Service Orientation

3.1

Critical Thinking

2.9

Social Perceptiveness

2.9

Reading Comprehension

2.9

Complex Problem Solving

2.5

Coordination

2.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

5.5

Administrative

3.8

Computers and Electronics

3.4

Telecommunications

3.0

English Language

2.8

Administration and Management

2.5

Education and Training

2.4

Personnel and Human Resources

2.4

What the work involves

Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsGetting InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDocumenting/Recording InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProcessing InformationWorking with Computers

Important abilities

Speech RecognitionSpeech ClarityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionSelective AttentionWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

High school diploma

98%

Associate's degree

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

30%

3–6 months

None / short demo

6–12 months

Related work experience

1–3 months

13%

None

3–6 months

2–4 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 telephone operators

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

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Customer Service Representatives Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services.	$44,770	28/100	77%
2	Office Clerks, General Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures.	$45,010	24/100	83%
3	Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.	$47,540	24/100	84%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.	$69,500	40/100	80%
5	Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures.	$45,930	41/100	76%
6	Receptionists and Information Clerks Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.	$38,010	29/100	73%

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.