Telephone Operator Salary 2025: $41,740 Median, -27.5% Decline Ahead
The median telephone operator earns $41,740 per year, or about $20 an hour, according to the latest BLS data. The mean annual wage is $44,970. Pay ranges from $31,510 at the 10th percentile to $62,950 at the 90th. With only 3,430 jobs nationally and a projected 27.5% employment decline through 2034, this is a small and shrinking occupation. Here's what you need to know about pay, how to enter the field, and whether it's worth pursuing.
How much Telephone Operators earn
The national median salary for telephone operators is $41,740. The mean hourly wage is $21.63. The bottom 10% earn $31,510 or less; the top 10% earn $62,950 or more. These figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2024 OEWS survey.
Because the occupation is small, pay can vary widely by industry. Operators in telecommunications, government, and large call centers often earn above the median, while those in smaller private switchboard roles may earn less.
Pay by state
California pays the highest average salary: $57,170. New York follows at $50,220, then the District of Columbia ($49,330), Massachusetts ($47,940), and Wisconsin ($46,590). At the low end, Louisiana averages $31,400, Georgia $36,920, and Ohio $36,970. These differences reflect cost of living, union presence, and concentration of telecommunications employers.
How to become Telephone Operator
No formal degree is required, but most employers prefer a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is common, lasting a few weeks to a few months. Key skills include clear verbal communication, multitasking, and basic computer proficiency. Some employers require typing tests or customer service experience. A handful of states may require a license for certain public safety or emergency operator roles, but that's rare for general telephone operators.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Build customer service or call center experience.
- Apply for entry-level operator positions at telecommunications firms, hotels, hospitals, or government agencies.
- Complete employer-provided training on switchboard equipment and call routing software.
Job outlook
Employment for telephone operators is projected to decline 27.5% from 2024 to 2034, the BLS reports. That's a loss of roughly 940 jobs, with only about 300 openings per year, mostly to replace retirees. Automation, voicemail systems, and automated call routing are driving the decline. For job seekers, this means very limited opportunities; the occupation is not a growth path.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a telephone operator?
The mean annual wage is $44,970; the median is $41,740. Hourly median is about $20.
Is telephone operator a dying career?
Yes, BLS projects a 27.5% employment decline over the next decade. Only about 300 openings per year are expected.
What education do you need to be a telephone operator?
A high school diploma is typical. No college degree required, but employers provide on-the-job training.
Which state pays telephone operators the most?
California pays the highest average at $57,170. New York, DC, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin also pay above $46,000.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Telephone Operators data.