Telephone Operators Salary in U.S. (2024)
In U.S., telephone operators earn $39,130 at the median — $18.81 an hour. The range runs from $31K at the entry level to $58K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $39K get you in U.S.?
About telephone operators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level telephone operators (10th percentile) start around $31K. Mid-career wages sit at $39K.Top earners bring in $58K or more - a $26K spread from bottom to top.
Telephone Operators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $57K | +45% | 190 |
| New York | $54K | +37% | 350 |
| Hawaii | $52K | +33% | 40 |
| District of Columbia | $48K | +22% | N/A |
| Massachusetts | $46K | +19% | N/A |
| Maryland | $41K | +5% | 110 |
| New Jersey | $41K | +4% | 230 |
| Connecticut | $41K | +4% | 30 |
| Michigan | $40K | +3% | 60 |
| Ohio | $38K | -3% | 190 |
| Kentucky | $38K | -3% | 100 |
| Wisconsin | $38K | -3% | N/A |
| Oklahoma | $37K | -4% | 40 |
| Texas | $37K | -6% | 640 |
| Georgia | $37K | -7% | 140 |
Track telephone operators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do telephone operators make in U.S.?
The median is $39,130 a year - that works out to about $18.81 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $31,440, and experienced telephone operators can clear $57,510. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $39K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,790/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 50.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a telephone operators salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median telephone operators salary is worth about $39,130 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do telephone operators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.