What Does a Telephone Operator Do? (Salary, Job Description & More)

Operators for telephone companies might be either central office operators or operators for directory help.

Also, client service operators are those who assist clients with collect and person-to-person calls.

In addition, they gather the data required to finish the conversation and record the specifics for invoicing.

Most previously manual procedures have been entirely automated, allowing the central office operator to respond to more calls more rapidly.

In this article, we will talk about the duties, pay, and job description of telephone operators.

Table of Contents

What Does a Telephone Operator Do?

The management of incoming and outgoing calls to a business or organization is the responsibility of telephone operators.

When someone is unavailable, they take messages and forward calls to the relevant department or person.

Even though their main job is to handle incoming calls efficiently and effectively, telephone operators may also be responsible for general customer support, such as answering questions about goods or services, solving billing or account information problems, etc.

Telephone Operator Job Duties

The duties of telephone operators are highly varied and may include:

Answering incoming calls, directing callers to different departments, or transferring them to experts.
Taking incoming calls and transferring them to the proper department or person
Responding to incoming calls in a suitable way depending on the nature and content of the call
Delivering information about pricing and services the business supplies and assisting clients using the phone system.
Doing administrative work like filing or data entry
Giving over-the-phone product or service information, placing orders for goods or services, or making appointments
Answering phones and relaying messages within the company to assist with internal communications
Giving customers post-call follow-up to make sure they were satisfied with the experience
Processing and forwarding incoming faxes and emails to the appropriate recipient

Telephone Operator Salary

A telephone operator’s employment involves using telephones daily. They employ these tools to link incoming calls to the target audience.

Operators may also use computer software and other devices in addition to telephones.

Median Annual Salary: $36,000 ($17.31/hour)
Top 10% Annual Salary: $64,500 ($31.01/hour)

Telephone Operator Job Requirements

Typically, a telephone operator must possess the following:

Education

A high school diploma or GED certificate is frequently the minimum needed for telephone operators.

An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, like business or communications, may be preferred by some jobs.

Training & Experience

Most times people who work as telephone operators usually work as call centers or customer service agents first.

And the training required to work as a telephone operator is provided through these positions.

SEE ALSO: What Does a Mail Sorter Do?

Certifications & Licenses

Although qualifications are not necessary to be considered for telephone operator employment, they can help you compete for open opportunities.

Telephone Operator Work Environment

Large telephone companies, small enterprises, hospitals, and hotels are just a few where telephone operators operate.

Usually, they sit in clean, quiet offices or cubicles with adequate lighting. They converse on the phone while lounging in a comfortable recliner for most of the day.

Some telephone operators may be required to stand for extended periods while working.

Telephone Operator Skills

To succeed, telephone operators require the following abilities:

Computer and typing skills
Attention to detail
Communication skills
Customer service
Organizational skills

How to Become a Telephone Operator

A career as a telephone operator might be a terrific way to start in the communications sector.

Also, it a steady profession with much room for advancement and the ability to collaborate with people from many walks of life.

However, you will answer calls, take messages, and manage customer service concerns as a telephone operator.

You must be an outstanding communicator who can remain composed and professional in various circumstances. Additionally, you must be able to work without supervision and independently.

SEE ALSO: What Does a Bosun Do?

Conclusion

Many telephone operators begin their careers as telephone salespeople, call center agents or customer service representatives.

In addition, you might advance into jobs like team leader, boss, or manager with experience.