All About Telephone Operators

Telephone Operator Job 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.

What Do Telephone Operators Do On a Daily Basis?

• Listen to customer requests, referring to alphabetical or geographical directories to answer questions and provide telephone information.
• Offer special assistance to persons such as those who are unable to dial or who are in emergency situations.
• Interrupt busy lines if an emergency warrants.
• Observe signal lights on switchboards, and dial or press buttons to make connections.
• Consult charts to determine charges for pay-telephone calls, requesting coin deposits for calls as necessary.
• Provide relay service for hearing-impaired users.

Telephone Operator Skills

These are the skills Telephone Operators say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

Types of Telephone Operator

• Toll Relief Operator
• Phone Operator
• Long Lines Operator
• Inward Toll Operator
• 411 Directory Assistance Operator

Job Demand 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.

What is the Average Salary of a Telephone Operator

Telephone Operators make between $23,160 and $60,610 a year.

Telephone Operators who work in New York, Hawaii, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Telephone Operators make 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

What Tools do Telephone Operators Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Telephone Operators:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Outlook
• Data entry software
• Word processing software
• Microsoft Windows
• Handheld computer device software
• Computer aided dispatch software

Becoming a Telephone Operator

What education or degrees do I need to become a Telephone Operator?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those interested in being a Telephone Operator may also be interested in:

• Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

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More about our data sources and methodologies.