How to Hire a Telephone Operator

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

The hiring market for telephone operators

There are about 3,500 telephone operators employed in the U.S., with roughly 200 openings each year. Employment is projected to change -27.6% from 2025–35 (a projected decline). Most openings come from replacing workers who retire or change careers, so a steady pipeline matters.

Pay benchmarks for offers

*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.

What to look for

Where to find telephone operators

• Community college business programs and career centers
• Professional associations (such as SHRM, PMI and state CPA societies)
• LinkedIn and niche job boards
• Internal promotion from front-line roles
• Job postings that use common alternate titles: Directory Assistance Operator, Long Distance Operator, Relay Operator, Telecommunications Operator

Screening checklist

• A skills assessment (Excel, writing or role software)
• Credential verification (CPA, PMP, SHRM-CP, paralegal certificate)
• Reference checks focused on reliability and accuracy
• A structured interview with a short work sample

Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.

Interview questions to ask

Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.

1. “How fast do you type?”

What a strong answer includes: Share.

2. “How do you stay neutral?”

What a strong answer includes: Explain.

3. “How do you handle emergencies?”

What a strong answer includes: Explain.

4. “Can you work shifts?”

What a strong answer includes: Answer.

5. “Describe phone experience.”

What a strong answer includes: Share.

Practical skills checks

A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:

• Relay a Text Telephone Call (see the steps)
• Transfer an Emergency Call to 911 (see the steps)
• Help a Caller Find a Hard-to-Find Number (see the steps)

Red flags

• Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
• Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
• Unfamiliar with core terms such as Directory assistance, Collect call, Relay service
• Negative talk about every past employer or coworker

Onboard for retention

The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Telephone Operator 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Telephone Operator training. Show them the path forward: Operator → Lead Operator → Supervisor → Call Center Manager.

Hiring telephone operators: FAQ

How much should I pay a telephone operator?

The U.S. median wage for telephone operators is $41,740 per year ($20.07/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($36,920), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($51,510). Adjust for your local market.

What qualifications should a telephone operator have?

BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education. Look for Relay service training and Typing certificate where relevant, plus skills such as call handling, directory search, and relay procedures.

How long does it take to train a new telephone operator?

Becoming qualified typically takes A few weeks on the job. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “short-term on-the-job training.”