Telephone Operator

Your Fit

Income

$39K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-26.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Telephone Operator?

A Telephone Operator manages and directs phone calls within an organization or for a telecommunications company. They provide assistance for emergency calls, directory inquiries, and often handle customer service-related queries.

Sample job titles:

411 Directory Assistance Operator (411 Directory Assistance Op), Directory Assistance Operator (Directory Assistance Op), Phone Operator (Telephone Operator), TELECOM Op (Telecommunications Operator)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Telephone Operator.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Telephone Operator earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$36K per year	$39K per year	$48K per year	$58K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $10K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Telephone Operator do?

Work environment

Telephone Operators typically work in office settings or call centers. They spend most of their time at a workstation with a telephone and computer, handling incoming calls. The role may involve shift work, including evenings, nights, and weekends, especially in organizations that require 24-hour service.

Quick task list

Answers, transfers, and manages incoming calls.
Provides information to callers and connects them to appropriate departments.
Assists with emergency calls and provides relevant information.
Operates telephone equipment, automatic dialing systems, and other telecommunications technologies.
Maintains accurate records of calls.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Emergency Services Operator: Specializing in handling emergency calls and providing rapid responses.
Directory Assistance Operator: Focusing on providing directory information and assistance with finding phone numbers.
Corporate Telephone Operator: Working within a specific company to manage internal and external communication.
Customer Service Operator: Handling customer inquiries and providing information or assistance.
Switchboard Operator: Managing a traditional switchboard, particularly in historical or specialized settings.

Description

Telephone Operators are vital for efficient communication in various organizations. Their primary role is to manage and route calls to ensure that inquiries and information reach the correct destinations. They need to be quick, efficient, and able to handle a large volume of calls while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.

This role requires excellent communication skills, as Operators often deal with diverse callers, including those in distress or requiring urgent assistance. They need to be adept at understanding and addressing callers' needs quickly and accurately. In addition to call handling, Telephone Operators must be comfortable with using telecommunication systems and maintaining call logs or records.

Although technological advancements have automated many aspects of this role, the human element remains crucial in situations where direct assistance or a personal touch is necessary. This career can be gratifying for those who enjoy helping others and are skilled at verbal communication.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Providing helpful assistance and information to callers.
Contributing to the smooth operation of an organization's communication system.
The challenge and satisfaction of handling a variety of calls and inquiries.

You might make a good Telephone Operator if you are...

A strong communicator with good listening skills.
Able to remain calm and efficient under pressure.
Organized and attentive to details.
Comfortable with using telecommunication systems and computers.
Patient and enjoy helping others through your work.

Pros:

Opportunities to interact with a variety of people.
The satisfaction of providing assistance and solving problems.
Relatively stable and conventional office hours in some settings.

Cons:

The role can be repetitive and stressful, especially when handling emergency calls.
May involve working irregular hours in 24-hour service environments.
Limited growth opportunities without additional education or specialization.

How to become a Telephone Operator

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma is required for this role. Specific training for the position, often provided by the employer, is usually more important than post-secondary education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Communication courses to develop strong verbal and listening skills.
Computer classes for proficiency in various software and systems.
Psychology for understanding different types of callers and responding appropriately.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in roles that involve customer service or support.
Participating in drama or debate clubs to enhance verbal communication.
Working part-time in a customer service position.

Preparation after high school

On-the-job training programs provided by employers.
Short courses or certifications in telecommunications or customer service.
Gaining experience in call centers or customer service roles.

More resources

International Customer Management Institute (ICMI) - Offers training and resources for customer service professionals.
National Emergency Number Association (NENA) - Provides resources and training for those interested in emergency services.
Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO International) - Offers training and certifications for public safety communications professionals.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - Provides information on regulations and guidelines in telecommunications.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.