All About Telephone Operators
Occupation Description 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.
A Day in the Life of a Telephone Operator
- Update directory information.
- Observe signal lights on switchboards, and dial or press buttons to make connections.
- Listen to customer requests, referring to alphabetical or geographical directories to answer questions and provide telephone information.
- Suggest and check alternate spellings, locations, or listing formats to customers lacking details or complete information.
- Keep records of calls placed and received, and of related toll charges.
- Monitor automated systems for placing collect calls and intervene for a callers needing assistance.
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Skills Needed to be a Telephone Operator
Below is a list of the skills most Telephone Operators say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Other Telephone Operator Job Titles
- Emergency Operator
- Traffic Administrator
- Toll Service Observer
- Central Office Operator
- Charge Operator
Job Opportunities for Telephone Operators
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 9,100 jobs in the United States for Telephone Operator. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Telephone Operator. There will be an estimated 900 positions for Telephone Operator per year.
The states with the most job growth for Telephone Operator are Alaska, Utah, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in Delaware, Tennessee, or New Jersey. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Telephone Operator Make?
The average yearly salary of a Telephone Operator ranges between $23,160 and $60,610.
Telephone Operators who work in New York, Hawaii, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Telephone Operators in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $35,510 |
| California | $41,900 |
| Connecticut | $44,010 |
| District of Columbia | $44,150 |
| Florida | $32,020 |
| Georgia | $33,860 |
| Hawaii | $44,040 |
| Illinois | $40,150 |
| Indiana | $40,590 |
| Iowa | $29,880 |
| Louisiana | $33,040 |
| Maryland | $36,790 |
| Massachusetts | $36,570 |
| Michigan | $28,610 |
| Minnesota | $39,470 |
| Missouri | $31,950 |
| Nevada | $31,110 |
| New York | $48,270 |
| Ohio | $35,750 |
| Pennsylvania | $39,040 |
| Tennessee | $27,610 |
| Texas | $34,410 |
| Virginia | $43,480 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Telephone Operators
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Telephone Operators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Handheld computer device software
- Computer aided dispatch software
How do I Become a Telephone Operator?
Are there Telephone Operators education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Telephone Operator?
Where Telephone Operators Work
Telephone Operators work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Telephone Operator may also be interested in:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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