Telephone Operators
SOC Code: 43-2021
Telephone Operatorss observe signal lights on switchboards, and dial or press buttons to make connections. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 75.7/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Active Listening, Speaking, Active Listening.
AI-Proof Score: 75.7 — High
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Median Salary
$39,130
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Job Growth
-27.5%
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Training Time
Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)
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Job Zone
Zone 2 / 5
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Training Cost
~$5,000
Key Skills
- •Active Listening
- •Speaking
- •Service Orientation
- •Social Perceptiveness
- •Reading Comprehension
- •Critical Thinking
Common 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.
- ✓Update directory information.
- ✓Suggest and check alternate spellings, locations, or listing formats to customers lacking details or complete information.
Training & Resources
Why AI-Proof?
- ✅Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
- ✅Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
- ✅Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
- ✅Social and regulatory barriers to full automation