How much does a Telephone Operator make?
Telephone operators play a crucial role in keeping communication lines open. They handle calls, direct them to the right person, and sometimes even provide customer service. The average yearly salary for a telephone operator is around $144,019. This means they earn a good amount of money for their work.
The salary for telephone operators can vary based on experience and location. Some earn as little as $27,000 a year, while others can make over $234,000. Most telephone operators fall somewhere in between these numbers. This range shows that there are opportunities to earn more as you gain experience and skills.
What are the highest paying cities for a Telephone Operator?

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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $196,045
In Los Angeles, a bustling hub of entertainment and business, professionals thrive in dynamic environments. Working here offers access to major companies, including entertainment giants and tech firms. The role demands strong communication skills and the ability to handle high call volumes.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $193,356
Philadelphia, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, provides a unique backdrop for this role. Here, you can work for prominent companies in healthcare and education. The city's diverse business landscape offers many opportunities for career growth.
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San Antonio, TX
Average Salary: $171,653
San Antonio, a city with a strong economy and a growing tech sector, offers a stable environment for this role. Working here means connecting with a variety of businesses, from healthcare to retail. The city's welcoming atmosphere and lower cost of living add to the appeal.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $167,356
Charlotte, a financial powerhouse, is home to major banks and corporations. This role here involves handling calls for these big companies, requiring excellent customer service skills. The city's growing tech scene also offers exciting opportunities for those looking to expand their skills.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $159,507
Houston, a city known for its energy sector and diverse industries, offers a dynamic environment. Working here means connecting with a variety of businesses, from oil and gas to healthcare. The city's rapid growth provides many opportunities for career advancement.
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Memphis, TN
Average Salary: $150,991
Memphis, a city rich in music and culture, offers a vibrant setting for this role. Working here means connecting with a variety of local businesses and industries. The city's friendly atmosphere and lower cost of living make it an attractive place to work.
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Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $147,870
Indianapolis, known for its automotive industry and vibrant downtown, offers a dynamic environment. Working here means connecting with a variety of businesses, from manufacturing to healthcare. The city's growing tech scene also offers exciting opportunities for those looking to expand their skills.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $140,648
Dallas, a major business hub, offers a fast-paced environment with many opportunities. Working here means connecting with a variety of companies, from tech startups to established corporations. The city's strong economy and diverse culture add to the appeal.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $136,169
Washington, DC, a city rich in political and cultural history, offers a unique environment. Working here means connecting with a variety of government agencies and private companies. The city's vibrant atmosphere and diverse opportunities make it an exciting place to work.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $129,347
Chicago, a major economic center, offers a dynamic environment with many opportunities. Working here means connecting with a variety of businesses, from finance to healthcare. The city's strong economy and diverse culture add to the appeal.
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What are the best companies a Telephone Operator can work for?

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West Motor Freight
Average Salary: $234,000
West Motor Freight offers competitive salaries for Telephone Operators. They provide logistics services across the United States. Their operators handle multiple calls daily, ensuring smooth communication within the company and with clients.
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Dispatching Enterprise Inc.
Average Salary: $208,000
Dispatching Enterprise Inc. pays its Telephone Operators well. They operate in various locations, including New York and California. Their operators manage dispatch tasks and ensure efficient communication between drivers and the office.
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CEVA Logistics
Average Salary: $136,760
CEVA Logistics offers a solid salary for Telephone Operators. They have offices in many cities, such as Chicago and Miami. Their operators handle logistics and communication, ensuring that shipments are tracked and delivered on time.
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TEKsystems
Average Salary: $125,286
TEKsystems provides a good salary for Telephone Operators. They are present in major cities, including Dallas and Atlanta. Their operators assist with technical support and ensure smooth communication between clients and the company.
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GI ALLIANCE
Average Salary: $35,021
GI ALLIANCE offers a decent salary for Telephone Operators. They operate in several locations, including Houston and Phoenix. Their operators handle patient communications and ensure that appointments are scheduled efficiently.
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Texas Orthopedics
Average Salary: $31,867
Texas Orthopedics provides a fair salary for Telephone Operators. They have offices in Austin and San Antonio. Their operators manage patient calls and appointments, ensuring that patients receive timely care and information.
How to earn more as a Telephone Operator?
Telephone operators can find several ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on key areas, they can enhance their skills and value. This can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities. One important factor is gaining experience in different areas of telephone operations. This includes learning to handle various types of calls and systems. Another factor is obtaining additional certifications. These can show employers that the operator has specialized skills. Continuing education can also open doors to higher-paying positions.
Improving communication skills is another way to earn more. Clear and effective communication can lead to better customer service. This can result in a more positive work environment and higher job satisfaction. Building a strong network within the industry can also help. Networking can lead to learning about new job openings and opportunities. Finally, seeking out roles with more responsibility can lead to higher pay. Taking on more challenging tasks can demonstrate readiness for advancement. These steps can help telephone operators increase their earnings and career prospects.
Here are five key factors to consider:
- Gain experience in different areas of telephone operations.
- Obtain additional certifications to show specialized skills.
- Improve communication skills for better customer service.
- Build a network within the industry to learn about job opportunities.
- Seek roles with more responsibility to demonstrate readiness for advancement.



