Telephone Operators

Role Overview & What They Do

Provide information by accessing alphabetical, geographical, or other directories. Assist customers with special billing requests, such as charges to a third party and credits or refunds for incorrectly dialed numbers or bad connections. May handle emergency calls and assist children or people with physical disabilities to make telephone calls.

Also Known As (Alternative Job Titles)

Daily Duties & On-The-Job Tasks

• Observe signal lights on switchboards, and dial or press buttons to make connections.
• Operate telephone switchboards and systems to advance and complete connections, including those for local, long distance, pay telephone, mobile, person-to-person, and emergency calls.
• Listen to customer requests, referring to alphabetical or geographical directories to answer questions and provide telephone information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Telephone Operators

Salary Distribution

Salaries vary depending on region, certifications, and years of experience.