Career comparison
Interpreter vs. Telephone Operator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Interpreters earn more at the median ($60,170 vs. $41,740), while telephone operators usually get to work faster (A few weeks on the job of training). Interpreters help people communicate across languages in health, courts and business. Telephone operators help callers place calls, find numbers and connect through relay services.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Interpreter | Telephone Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $60,170 ($28.93/hr) | $41,740 ($20.07/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,070 – $103,660 | $31,510 – $62,950 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.0% (slower than average) | -27.6% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 6,000 | 200 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Fluency plus 6 months–4 years of training | A few weeks on the job |
| Key credential | Medical interpreter certification | Relay service training |
| Work setting | Interpreters work in hospitals, courts, schools, conference centers and remotely by video and phone.. | Operators work in call centers and remotely.. |
What each job does
Interpreter
- Interpret spoken or signed language
- Translate written documents
- Prepare terminology for assignments
- Maintain accuracy and confidentiality
- Follow professional ethics
Telephone Operator
- Answer operator calls
- Provide directory assistance
- Place assisted calls
- Handle collect calls
- Relay calls for deaf callers
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with people and remote-friendly work. They sit in different fields, arts, media & design and business & office, but share transferable skills such as concentration and clear speaking.
Which should you choose?
Choose interpreter if…
- I’m fluent in two languages
- I enjoy helping people communicate
- I can concentrate under pressure
Choose telephone operator if…
- I have a clear voice
- I type fast
- I’m patient
Still torn? Take the Interpreter fit quiz and the Telephone Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, interpreter or telephone operator?
Interpreters earn more at the median: $60,170 versus $41,740 for telephone operators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Telephone Operators typically train faster (A few weeks on the job) than interpreters (Fluency plus 6 months–4 years of training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects interpreters to grow +2.0% from 2025–35, compared with -27.6% for telephone operators.