Telephone Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Telephone Operators Make?
Telephone Operators earn a median annual salary of $39,130 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $31,440 at the 10th percentile to $57,510 at the 90th percentile — a range of $26,070. The highest-paying state is California at $56,770.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,440 |
| 25th percentile | $35,860 |
| Median (50th) | $39,130 |
| 75th percentile | $48,530 |
| 90th percentile | $57,510 |
Telephone Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $56,770 |
| New York | $53,510 |
| Hawaii | $52,160 |
| District of Columbia | $47,890 |
| Massachusetts | $46,370 |
| Maryland | $41,220 |
| New Jersey | $40,770 |
| Connecticut | $40,620 |
| Michigan | $40,300 |
| Ohio | $38,110 |
| Kentucky | $38,100 |
| Wisconsin | $37,830 |
| Oklahoma | $37,400 |
| Texas | $36,800 |
| Georgia | $36,510 |
| South Carolina | $36,160 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,040 |
| Louisiana | $34,050 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Telephone Operators
Telephone Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$31,440 – $35,860 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$39,130 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$48,530 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $57,510+ |
How to Earn More as a Telephone Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Telephone Operators in California earn $56,770 — $17,640 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($48,530) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Telephone Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Telephone Operatorthis career | $39,130 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $73,340 |
| Cashier | $31,190 |
| Telemarketer | $34,410 |
| Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service | $38,370 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Telephone Operator requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 43-2021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.