Telephone Operators Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for telephone operators in the United States was $41,740 ($20.07 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $31,510 | $15.15 |
| 25th | $36,920 | $17.75 |
| Median | $41,740 | $20.07 |
| 75th | $51,510 | $24.76 |
| 90th | $62,950 | $30.27 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 43-2021
- Total U.S. employment: 3,430
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
What this means
For career planning: entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $31,510, median pay is $41,740, and experienced pay (90th percentile) reaches $62,950.
Telephone Operators Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $57,170 | $27.49 | +37.0% | 230 |
| District of Columbia | $49,330 | $23.71 | +18.2% | 50 |
| Florida | $37,180 | $17.88 | -10.9% | 70 |
| Georgia | $36,920 | $17.75 | -11.5% | 160 |
| Louisiana | $31,400 | $15.09 | -24.8% | 50 |
| Maryland | $42,460 | $20.41 | +1.7% | 110 |
| Massachusetts | $47,940 | $23.05 | +14.9% | 0 |
| Michigan | $37,550 | $18.05 | -10.0% | 80 |
| New Jersey | $41,960 | $20.17 | +0.5% | 190 |
| New York | $50,220 | $24.15 | +20.3% | 0 |
| North Carolina | $40,360 | $19.40 | -3.3% | 40 |
| Ohio | $36,970 | $17.77 | -11.4% | 220 |
| Oklahoma | $37,320 | $17.94 | -10.6% | 40 |
| South Carolina | — | — | — | 170 |
| Tennessee | — | — | — | 150 |
| Texas | $41,250 | $19.83 | -1.2% | 280 |
| Virginia | $42,350 | $20.36 | +1.5% | 0 |
| Wisconsin | $46,590 | $22.40 | +11.6% | 60 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents — $77,710/yr
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents — $78,660/yr
- Insurance Sales Agents — $62,280/yr
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education — $38,140/yr
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators — $59,850/yr
- Dishwashers — $34,810/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for telephone operators?
The median annual wage for telephone operators is $41,740 ($20.07 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays telephone operators the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many telephone operators are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 3,430 telephone operators employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do telephone operators make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $20.07. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.