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Associate Degree Careers and Jobs

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less - All On One Page.

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary and including percentage of job holders with Associate's Degree or less.

An associate's degree can open doors to skilled technical, healthcare, and business support roles without the time commitment of a four-year degree. For people who want a faster, more affordable path into a stable career. Compare careers ranked by salary, review degree-holder and experience percentages, and access preparation resources for each role.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link.

This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select a career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.



Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs External Link
What jobs can you get with an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are careers related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 571 specific careers are listed, with matching jobs currently available. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those careers that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:


Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers / (38.99%) / ($219,140)
Computer and Information Systems Managers / (35.15%) / ($169,510)
Clinical Research Coordinators / (33.77%) / ($157,740)
Air Traffic Controllers / (78.05%) / ($137,380)
Purchasing Managers / (36.84%) / ($136,380)
Loss Prevention Managers / (40.91%) / ($133,560)
Wind Energy Operations Managers / (65.24%) / ($133,560)
Advertising and Promotions Managers / (31.69%) / ($131,870)
Anesthesiologist Assistants / (42.69%) / ($130,020)
Computer Network Architects / (35.00%) / ($129,840)
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists / (57.15%) / ($129,840)
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators / (84.67%) / ($120,350)
Industrial Production Managers / (70.50%) / ($116,970)
Geothermal Production Managers / (80.39%) / ($116,970)
Biofuels Production Managers / (47.96%) / ($116,970)
Biomass Power Plant Managers / (38.51%) / ($116,970)
Hydroelectric Production Managers / (77.90%) / ($116,970)
Commercial Pilots / (98.19%) / ($113,080)
Mechatronics Engineers / (32.67%) / ($111,970)
Solar Energy Systems Engineers / (40.74%) / ($111,970)
Administrative Services Managers / (71.74%) / ($106,470)
Web Administrators / (40.00%) / ($104,920)
Information Security Engineers / (47.37%) / ($104,920)
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects / (72.73%) / ($104,920)
Information Technology Project Managers / (33.33%) / ($104,920)
Construction Managers / (55.00%) / ($104,900)
Power Distributors and Dispatchers / (94.36%) / ($104,750)
Computer Systems Analysts / (56.64%) / ($103,800)
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers / (99.66%) / ($102,420)
Facilities Managers / (92.59%) / ($102,340)
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / (47.05%) / ($101,800)
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives / (80.58%) / ($101,750)
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians / (84.15%) / ($101,740)
General and Operations Managers / (72.41%) / ($101,280)
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects / (36.84%) / ($100,270)
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products / (58.63%) / ($99,710)
Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors / (67.01%) / ($99,710)
Mechanical Engineers / (47.22%) / ($99,510)
Special Effects Artists and Animators / (46.91%) / ($99,060)
Video Game Designers / (45.00%) / ($98,540)
Radiation Therapists / (62.46%) / ($98,300)
Power Plant Operators / (87.46%) / ($97,010)
Biomass Plant Technicians / (90.28%) / ($97,010)
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians / (93.13%) / ($97,010)
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay / (97.61%) / ($96,600)
Network and Computer Systems Administrators / (37.51%) / ($95,360)
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers / (100.00%) / ($94,580)
Ship Engineers / (81.03%) / ($94,270)
Nuclear Medicine Technologists / (68.68%) / ($92,500)
Detectives and Criminal Investigators / (90.01%) / ($91,100)
Police Identification and Records Officers / (75.14%) / ($91,100)
Labor Relations Specialists / (33.32%) / ($89,980)
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels / (90.68%) / ($88,730)
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents / (86.55%) / ($88,670)
Dental Hygienists / (75.18%) / ($87,530)
Aviation Inspectors / (96.07%) / ($87,290)
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation / (100.00%) / ($87,290)
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers / (86.62%) / ($86,220)
Registered Nurses / (42.65%) / ($86,070)
Critical Care Nurses / (35.71%) / ($86,070)
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers / (97.19%) / ($85,420)
Web Developers / (50.01%) / ($84,960)
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes / (41.87%) / ($84,900)
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / (42.07%) / ($84,570)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers / (66.47%) / ($84,470)
Subway and Streetcar Operators / (100.00%) / ($84,270)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists / (86.96%) / ($83,740)
Signal and Track Switch Repairers / (100.00%) / ($82,710)
Gas Plant Operators / (100.00%) / ($82,560)
Producers and Directors / (43.30%) / ($82,510)
Media Programming Directors / (48.00%) / ($82,510)
Talent Directors / (30.75%) / ($82,510)
Gambling Managers / (93.26%) / ($82,380)
Technical Writers / (58.04%) / ($80,050)
Chemical Plant and System Operators / (63.22%) / ($80,030)
Online Merchants / (58.72%) / ($79,590)
Fashion Designers / (49.34%) / ($79,290)
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment / (85.65%) / ($79,160)
Respiratory Therapists / (87.90%) / ($77,960)
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians / (92.08%) / ($77,830)
Avionics Technicians / (96.67%) / ($77,420)
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents / (34.85%) / ($76,900)
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers / (89.50%) / ($76,760)
Solar Energy Installation Managers / (93.70%) / ($76,760)
Commercial and Industrial Designers / (32.08%) / ($76,250)
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / (57.51%) / ($76,210)
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers / (90.39%) / ($75,820)
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / (60.66%) / ($75,670)
Coroners / (40.00%) / ($75,670)
Customs Brokers / (80.00%) / ($75,670)
Funeral Home Managers / (93.51%) / ($75,660)
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators / (39.64%) / ($75,050)
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians / (99.37%) / ($75,020)
Locomotive Engineers / (100.00%) / ($74,770)
Search Marketing Strategists / (52.18%) / ($74,680)
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage / (98.53%) / ($74,520)
Fire Inspectors and Investigators / (95.76%) / ($74,160)
Writers and Authors / (53.05%) / ($73,690)
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers / (50.00%) / ($73,690)
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists / (90.91%) / ($73,500)
Photonics Technicians / (81.82%) / ($73,500)
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling / (40.54%) / ($73,460)
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians / (89.37%) / ($73,410)
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers / (93.45%) / ($72,280)
Customs and Border Protection Officers / (70.66%) / ($72,280)
Transit and Railroad Police / (65.67%) / ($72,250)
Wellhead Pumpers / (100.00%) / ($71,830)
Computer Network Support Specialists / (49.70%) / ($71,530)
Boilermakers / (100.01%) / ($71,140)
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters / (100.00%) / ($71,130)
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers / (89.30%) / ($70,530)
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants / (80.15%) / ($70,310)
Athletes and Sports Competitors / (75.54%) / ($70,280)
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door / (98.56%) / ($70,100)
Loan Officers / (30.14%) / ($69,990)
Electrical and Electronics Drafters / (57.47%) / ($69,260)
Park Naturalists / (40.02%) / ($68,750)
Surveyors / (52.63%) / ($68,540)
Flight Attendants / (87.65%) / ($68,370)
Construction and Building Inspectors / (80.00%) / ($67,700)
Energy Auditors / (75.86%) / ($67,700)
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators / (100.00%) / ($67,640)
Occupational Therapy Assistants / (96.81%) / ($67,010)
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators / (100.00%) / ($67,000)
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment / (100.00%) / ($66,680)
Roof Bolters, Mining / (100.00%) / ($66,660)
Film and Video Editors / (34.31%) / ($66,600)
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians / (93.42%) / ($66,170)
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers / (87.18%) / ($65,930)
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / (66.12%) / ($65,630)
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / (32.71%) / ($65,130)
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians / (79.71%) / ($65,080)
Robotics Technicians / (77.27%) / ($65,080)
Rail Car Repairers / (99.99%) / ($65,030)
Forensic Science Technicians / (65.60%) / ($64,940)
Crane and Tower Operators / (100.00%) / ($64,690)
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers / (100.00%) / ($64,640)
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic / (99.17%) / ($64,190)
Physical Therapist Assistants / (84.16%) / ($64,080)
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining / (100.00%) / ($64,070)
Mechanical Drafters / (76.71%) / ($64,060)
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians / (63.49%) / ($64,020)
Automotive Engineering Technicians / (59.25%) / ($64,020)
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners / (97.15%) / ($63,940)
Midwives / (41.58%) / ($63,630)
Pile Driver Operators / (100.01%) / ($63,550)
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers / (53.45%) / ($63,450)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers / (98.14%) / ($63,440)
Tapers / (100.00%) / ($63,350)
Food Service Managers / (90.26%) / ($63,060)
Real Estate Brokers / (46.07%) / ($63,060)
Millwrights / (100.00%) / ($62,980)
Health Education Specialists / (64.77%) / ($62,860)
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers / (35.00%) / ($62,850)
Structural Iron and Steel Workers / (94.98%) / ($62,760)
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians / (85.35%) / ($62,610)
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers / (73.63%) / ($62,510)
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic / (100.01%) / ($62,270)
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary / (67.55%) / ($62,060)
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines / (100.01%) / ($61,900)
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators / (100.00%) / ($61,870)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film / (93.10%) / ($61,800)
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas / (91.08%) / ($61,770)
Wind Turbine Service Technicians / (100.01%) / ($61,770)
Electricians / (98.70%) / ($61,590)
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters / (100.00%) / ($61,590)
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / (100.01%) / ($61,550)
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians / (77.54%) / ($61,550)
Tool and Die Makers / (100.00%) / ($61,490)
Continuous Mining Machine Operators / (100.00%) / ($61,420)
Industrial Machinery Mechanics / (100.01%) / ($61,420)
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers / (90.24%) / ($61,310)
Commercial Divers / (94.97%) / ($61,300)
Advertising Sales Agents / (48.14%) / ($61,270)
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers / (82.57%) / ($61,270)
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers / (84.35%) / ($61,240)
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers / (93.54%) / ($61,210)
Paralegals and Legal Assistants / (43.47%) / ($60,970)
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians / (81.66%) / ($60,700)
Medical Equipment Repairers / (99.99%) / ($60,670)
Surgical Technologists / (100.00%) / ($60,610)
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity / (99.99%) / ($60,170)
Brokerage Clerks / (61.77%) / ($60,150)
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses / (88.91%) / ($59,730)
Brickmasons and Blockmasons / (99.99%) / ($59,640)
Postal Service Clerks / (100.00%) / ($59,570)
Sound Engineering Technicians / (72.00%) / ($59,430)
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / (64.62%) / ($59,300)
Computer User Support Specialists / (48.31%) / ($59,240)
Surgical Assistants / (64.12%) / ($59,160)
Insurance Sales Agents / (53.10%) / ($59,080)
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists / (99.99%) / ($58,970)
Chefs and Head Cooks / (91.67%) / ($58,920)
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors / (81.54%) / ($58,920)
Sheet Metal Workers / (100.01%) / ($58,780)
Hearing Aid Specialists / (43.26%) / ($58,670)
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders / (98.23%) / ($58,620)
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / (62.46%) / ($58,530)
Quality Control Analysts / (72.10%) / ($58,350)
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas / (99.99%) / ($58,210)
Watch and Clock Repairers / (98.31%) / ($58,140)
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians / (42.85%) / ($57,920)
Broadcast Technicians / (97.61%) / ($57,690)
Spa Managers / (79.01%) / ($57,570)
Maintenance Workers, Machinery / (97.42%) / ($57,350)
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers / (65.10%) / ($57,320)
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers / (100.00%) / ($57,300)
Firefighters / (96.50%) / ($57,120)
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers / (100.00%) / ($57,070)
Biofuels Processing Technicians / (100.00%) / ($56,940)
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners / (59.20%) / ($56,920)
Chemical Technicians / (56.26%) / ($56,750)
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas / (99.99%) / ($56,660)
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers / (100.00%) / ($56,430)
Carpenters / (100.00%) / ($56,350)
Postal Service Mail Carriers / (100.00%) / ($56,330)
Riggers / (100.00%) / ($56,220)
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators / (100.00%) / ($56,160)
Hoist and Winch Operators / (100.00%) / ($55,950)
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas / (100.00%) / ($55,750)
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers / (61.33%) / ($55,740)
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers / (95.18%) / ($55,700)
Massage Therapists / (96.16%) / ($55,310)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators / (100.00%) / ($54,890)
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers / (100.00%) / ($54,850)
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers / (82.35%) / ($54,690)
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers / (88.58%) / ($54,580)
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers / (99.99%) / ($54,320)
Real Estate Sales Agents / (90.47%) / ($54,300)
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare / (83.48%) / ($54,290)
Embalmers / (86.37%) / ($54,090)
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists / (75.97%) / ($54,080)
Tire Builders / (99.47%) / ($54,080)
Insulation Workers, Mechanical / (100.01%) / ($53,920)
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks / (100.01%) / ($53,900)
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers / (86.60%) / ($53,550)
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators / (100.01%) / ($53,440)
Correctional Officers and Jailers / (100.00%) / ($53,300)
Fallers / (100.00%) / ($53,170)
Bailiffs / (99.99%) / ($53,040)
Plasterers and Stucco Masons / (100.00%) / ($52,640)
Costume Attendants / (68.86%) / ($52,370)
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks / (68.16%) / ($52,240)
Traffic Technicians / (88.33%) / ($52,240)
Choreographers / (76.18%) / ($52,000)
Forest and Conservation Technicians / (85.19%) / ($51,880)
Stonemasons / (100.00%) / ($51,830)
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders / (98.23%) / ($51,720)
Audio and Video Technicians / (57.32%) / ($51,640)
Desktop Publishers / (61.30%) / ($51,290)
Airfield Operations Specialists / (49.14%) / ($51,140)
Glaziers / (100.01%) / ($51,100)
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers / (88.76%) / ($51,030)
Machinists / (100.00%) / ($50,840)
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers / (99.99%) / ($50,720)
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants / (93.00%) / ($50,680)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / (31.83%) / ($50,660)
Dredge Operators / (100.00%) / ($50,440)
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs / (68.62%) / ($50,270)
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers / (92.80%) / ($50,270)
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($50,250)
Directors, Religious Activities and Education / (36.68%) / ($50,140)
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining / (100.00%) / ($50,050)
Roofers / (93.40%) / ($50,030)
Transportation Security Screeners / (100.00%) / ($50,020)
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians / (100.00%) / ($49,990)
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic / (99.88%) / ($49,670)
Private Detectives and Investigators / (57.84%) / ($49,540)
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers / (100.01%) / ($49,230)
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians / (100.00%) / ($49,210)
Bridge and Lock Tenders / (100.00%) / ($49,120)
Food Science Technicians / (52.50%) / ($49,090)
Tree Trimmers and Pruners / (100.00%) / ($49,070)
Tax Preparers / (76.20%) / ($49,010)
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators / (100.00%) / ($48,980)
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers / (99.05%) / ($48,940)
Tile and Stone Setters / (100.00%) / ($48,910)
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers / (100.01%) / ($48,900)
Public Safety Telecommunicators / (95.26%) / ($48,890)
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles / (99.99%) / ($48,840)
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters / (95.84%) / ($48,840)
Solar Photovoltaic Installers / (84.97%) / ($48,800)
Proofreaders and Copy Markers / (52.69%) / ($48,790)
Automotive Body and Related Repairers / (99.99%) / ($48,740)
Pourers and Casters, Metal / (100.00%) / ($48,690)
Mechanical Door Repairers / (100.00%) / ($48,650)
Patternmakers, Wood / (100.00%) / ($48,630)
Credit Counselors / (60.00%) / ($48,570)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators / (96.78%) / ($48,550)
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters / (100.00%) / ($48,480)
Paperhangers / (100.00%) / ($48,460)
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons / (100.00%) / ($48,410)
Sailors and Marine Oilers / (99.22%) / ($48,400)
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers / (94.78%) / ($48,380)
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers / (92.30%) / ($48,380)
Cargo and Freight Agents / (69.25%) / ($48,330)
Freight Forwarders / (41.92%) / ($48,330)
Logging Equipment Operators / (100.00%) / ($48,240)
Community Health Workers / (32.83%) / ($48,200)
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (98.92%) / ($48,120)
Agricultural Inspectors / (87.88%) / ($48,010)
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians / (100.00%) / ($47,950)
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics / (100.00%) / ($47,770)
Floor Sanders and Finishers / (100.00%) / ($47,760)
Meter Readers, Utilities / (97.61%) / ($47,720)
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / (65.40%) / ($47,710)
Painters, Construction and Maintenance / (98.15%) / ($47,700)
Dental Laboratory Technicians / (92.45%) / ($47,690)
Animal Breeders / (95.94%) / ($47,540)
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall / (100.00%) / ($47,540)
Carpet Installers / (100.00%) / ($47,520)
Neurodiagnostic Technologists / (83.87%) / ($47,470)
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists / (75.00%) / ($47,470)
Patient Representatives / (61.52%) / ($47,470)
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers / (84.34%) / ($47,450)
Gem and Diamond Workers / (80.99%) / ($47,450)
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks / (81.29%) / ($47,440)
Models / (96.06%) / ($47,430)
Travel Agents / (85.65%) / ($47,410)
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance / (85.70%) / ($47,390)
Loan Interviewers and Clerks / (61.75%) / ($47,380)
Highway Maintenance Workers / (100.00%) / ($47,360)
Pipelayers / (100.00%) / ($47,330)
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers / (86.23%) / ($47,280)
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.01%) / ($47,250)
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (81.16%) / ($47,200)
Home Appliance Repairers / (100.01%) / ($47,170)
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (90.27%) / ($47,110)
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($47,040)
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($46,990)
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners / (99.99%) / ($46,910)
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks / (93.41%) / ($46,900)
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance / (92.98%) / ($46,860)
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers / (92.91%) / ($46,850)
Parking Enforcement Workers / (98.56%) / ($46,840)
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers / (99.58%) / ($46,730)
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General / (98.46%) / ($46,700)
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers / (89.61%) / ($46,690)
Procurement Clerks / (67.27%) / ($46,670)
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers / (87.75%) / ($46,650)
Dental Assistants / (100.00%) / ($46,540)
Rock Splitters, Quarry / (81.02%) / ($46,530)
Geothermal Technicians / (100.00%) / ($46,500)
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors / (61.91%) / ($46,480)
Word Processors and Typists / (100.00%) / ($46,450)
Motorboat Operators / (85.14%) / ($46,420)
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners / (100.01%) / ($46,410)
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas / (100.00%) / ($46,340)
Motorcycle Mechanics / (89.26%) / ($46,270)
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks / (85.74%) / ($46,110)
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($46,100)
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers / (100.00%) / ($45,850)
Semiconductor Processing Technicians / (99.68%) / ($45,850)
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers / (99.63%) / ($45,760)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors / (100.00%) / ($45,760)
Farm Labor Contractors / (99.87%) / ($45,730)
Bus Drivers, School / (100.00%) / ($45,660)
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders / (98.16%) / ($45,640)
Log Graders and Scalers / (100.00%) / ($45,600)
Billing and Posting Clerks / (98.04%) / ($45,590)
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles / (100.00%) / ($45,570)
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($45,560)
Helpers--Extraction Workers / (100.01%) / ($45,520)
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($45,350)
Self-Enrichment Teachers / (45.76%) / ($45,330)
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers / (99.99%) / ($45,320)
Construction Laborers / (100.00%) / ($45,300)
Medical Equipment Preparers / (82.92%) / ($45,280)
Prepress Technicians and Workers / (94.79%) / ($45,070)
Model Makers, Wood / (85.67%) / ($45,040)
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers / (100.00%) / ($44,980)
Medical Appliance Technicians / (72.03%) / ($44,960)
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / (59.63%) / ($44,890)
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers / (99.99%) / ($44,890)
New Accounts Clerks / (100.00%) / ($44,630)
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (92.88%) / ($44,620)
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($44,510)
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / (57.73%) / ($44,490)
Endoscopy Technicians / (100.01%) / ($44,490)
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators / (100.00%) / ($44,470)
Fence Erectors / (99.99%) / ($44,410)
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (99.55%) / ($44,390)
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (99.70%) / ($44,310)
Foundry Mold and Coremakers / (100.00%) / ($44,300)
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive / (89.01%) / ($44,280)
Bill and Account Collectors / (78.88%) / ($44,250)
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($44,240)
Opticians, Dispensing / (100.00%) / ($44,170)
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics / (100.00%) / ($44,140)
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation / (87.18%) / ($44,070)
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers / (100.00%) / ($44,030)
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians / (89.60%) / ($43,740)
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders / (99.99%) / ($43,540)
Pest Control Workers / (100.00%) / ($43,470)
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing / (99.03%) / ($43,310)
Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers / (100.01%) / ($43,310)
Potters, Manufacturing / (77.39%) / ($43,310)
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping / (99.49%) / ($43,270)
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters / (100.00%) / ($43,260)
Skincare Specialists / (78.15%) / ($43,200)
Agricultural Technicians / (63.19%) / ($43,180)
Precision Agriculture Technicians / (60.87%) / ($43,180)
Animal Control Workers / (96.15%) / ($43,170)
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners / (90.92%) / ($42,800)
Upholsterers / (100.00%) / ($42,730)
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (96.10%) / ($42,670)
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.01%) / ($42,610)
Cooks, Private Household / (100.00%) / ($42,590)
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters / (93.77%) / ($42,470)
Light Truck Drivers / (100.00%) / ($42,470)
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($42,420)
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($42,400)
Correspondence Clerks / (88.39%) / ($42,120)
Medical Assistants / (82.53%) / ($42,000)
Printing Press Operators / (100.00%) / ($41,860)
Phlebotomists / (95.46%) / ($41,810)
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians / (100.00%) / ($41,780)
Order Clerks / (87.93%) / ($41,600)
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($41,600)
Social and Human Service Assistants / (44.61%) / ($41,410)
Photographers / (81.82%) / ($40,760)
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants / (99.99%) / ($40,640)
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks / (99.42%) / ($40,610)
Office Clerks, General / (99.76%) / ($40,480)
Pharmacy Technicians / (96.16%) / ($40,300)
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan / (98.84%) / ($40,300)
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers / (100.00%) / ($40,230)
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators / (99.36%) / ($40,200)
Etchers and Engravers / (99.99%) / ($40,040)
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($39,850)
Furniture Finishers / (100.00%) / ($39,790)
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks / (89.25%) / ($39,780)
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (96.57%) / ($39,740)
Psychiatric Technicians / (68.09%) / ($39,700)
Agricultural Equipment Operators / (99.99%) / ($39,690)
Customer Service Representatives / (85.79%) / ($39,680)
Tutors / (54.54%) / ($39,580)
Helpers--Carpenters / (100.00%) / ($39,380)
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists / (89.50%) / ($39,360)
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders / (100.01%) / ($39,340)
Library Technicians / (68.58%) / ($39,310)
Conveyor Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($39,260)
Machine Feeders and Offbearers / (100.00%) / ($39,250)
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators / (100.00%) / ($39,210)
Psychiatric Aides / (95.92%) / ($39,160)
Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers / (100.00%) / ($38,980)
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($38,940)
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($38,870)
Animal Trainers / (98.25%) / ($38,810)
Helpers--Roofers / (83.98%) / ($38,620)
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($38,550)
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers / (100.00%) / ($38,520)
Food Batchmakers / (99.99%) / ($38,460)
Helpers--Electricians / (98.70%) / ($38,340)
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($38,330)
Bicycle Repairers / (100.00%) / ($38,320)
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing / (98.28%) / ($38,260)
Nursing Assistants / (87.36%) / ($38,200)
Slaughterers and Meat Packers / (100.00%) / ($38,160)
File Clerks / (91.72%) / ($38,130)
Print Binding and Finishing Workers / (100.01%) / ($38,100)
Telephone Operators / (100.00%) / ($38,080)
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood / (100.00%) / ($38,000)
Residential Advisors / (59.02%) / ($37,950)
Data Entry Keyers / (100.00%) / ($37,790)
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians / (91.17%) / ($37,720)
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($37,660)
Recycling and Reclamation Workers / (91.99%) / ($37,660)
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / (90.30%) / ($37,650)
Butchers and Meat Cutters / (100.00%) / ($37,650)
Tellers / (91.68%) / ($37,640)
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer / (82.57%) / ($37,450)
Counter and Rental Clerks / (79.75%) / ($37,400)
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / (55.21%) / ($37,380)
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers / (81.67%) / ($37,360)
Concierges / (90.91%) / ($37,150)
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education / (62.81%) / ($37,130)
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($37,130)
Security Guards / (98.04%) / ($37,070)
Medical Transcriptionists / (100.00%) / ($37,060)
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($37,040)
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons / (100.00%) / ($37,010)
Occupational Therapy Aides / (98.20%) / ($36,970)
Demonstrators and Product Promoters / (99.34%) / ($36,970)
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($36,970)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service / (100.00%) / ($36,880)
Parts Salespersons / (86.38%) / ($36,860)
Orderlies / (100.00%) / ($36,830)
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service / (96.96%) / ($36,750)
Couriers and Messengers / (100.00%) / ($36,710)
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers / (99.97%) / ($36,710)
Helpers--Production Workers / (100.00%) / ($36,700)
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers / (90.54%) / ($36,650)
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($36,620)
Craft Artists / (86.96%) / ($36,600)
Dietetic Technicians / (93.29%) / ($36,520)
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers / (99.54%) / ($36,440)
Stockers and Order Fillers / (99.71%) / ($36,390)
Crossing Guards and Flaggers / (100.00%) / ($36,370)
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers / (98.70%) / ($36,300)
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers / (82.36%) / ($36,230)
Pharmacy Aides / (100.00%) / ($36,200)
Barbers / (97.06%) / ($36,150)
Gambling Cage Workers / (100.00%) / ($36,110)
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers / (100.00%) / ($36,020)
Receptionists and Information Clerks / (100.00%) / ($35,840)
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials / (80.95%) / ($35,820)
Tire Repairers and Changers / (97.60%) / ($35,790)
Cooks, Restaurant / (99.99%) / ($35,780)
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators / (94.81%) / ($35,620)
Passenger Attendants / (100.01%) / ($35,620)
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($35,530)
Driver/Sales Workers / (100.00%) / ($35,420)
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.01%) / ($35,340)
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria / (93.22%) / ($35,320)
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs / (99.83%) / ($35,240)
Motion Picture Projectionists / (89.90%) / ($35,160)
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals / (99.77%) / ($35,120)
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / (75.92%) / ($35,020)
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists / (100.00%) / ($34,970)
Bakers / (100.00%) / ($34,950)
Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers / (100.00%) / ($34,910)
Baggage Porters and Bellhops / (100.01%) / ($34,840)
Packers and Packagers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($34,830)
Floral Designers / (92.09%) / ($34,690)
Telemarketers / (100.00%) / ($34,480)
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse / (75.14%) / ($34,470)
Sewing Machine Operators / (99.99%) / ($34,440)
Recreation Workers / (37.90%) / ($34,410)
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products / (100.00%) / ($34,360)
Manicurists and Pedicurists / (100.00%) / ($34,250)
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment / (99.99%) / ($34,150)
Cooks, Short Order / (100.01%) / ($34,130)
Library Assistants, Clerical / (95.43%) / ($34,020)
Forest and Conservation Workers / (57.20%) / ($33,940)
Funeral Attendants / (88.97%) / ($33,850)
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants / (100.00%) / ($33,820)
Retail Salespersons / (96.00%) / ($33,680)
Physical Therapist Aides / (81.30%) / ($33,520)
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / (89.15%) / ($33,450)
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants / (100.01%) / ($33,450)
Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers / (100.00%) / ($33,230)
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant / (87.18%) / ($33,110)
Parking Attendants / (99.04%) / ($32,840)
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians / (99.99%) / ($32,580)
Food Preparation Workers / (95.85%) / ($32,420)
Gambling Dealers / (100.00%) / ($32,240)
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials / (85.85%) / ($32,240)
Sewers, Hand / (99.48%) / ($32,240)
Waiters and Waitresses / (100.00%) / ($31,940)
Bartenders / (98.88%) / ($31,510)
Dishwashers / (100.00%) / ($31,200)
Animal Caretakers / (86.63%) / ($31,200)
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers / (100.00%) / ($31,180)
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers / (100.00%) / ($31,050)
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks / (95.41%) / ($30,790)
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers / (98.78%) / ($30,380)
Childcare Workers / (91.29%) / ($30,370)
Nannies / (96.00%) / ($30,370)
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers / (98.34%) / ($29,780)
Cashiers / (100.00%) / ($29,720)
Fast Food and Counter Workers / (99.96%) / ($29,540)
Baristas / (94.53%) / ($29,540)
Shampooers / (100.00%) / ($29,530)
Amusement and Recreation Attendants / (98.57%) / ($29,390)
Cooks, Fast Food / (100.00%) / ($29,260)
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop / (86.88%) / ($29,220)
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners / (100.01%) / ($29,170)
Actors / (65.47%) / (Salary Not Available)
Dancers / (100.01%) / (Salary Not Available)
Musicians and Singers / (40.26%) / (Salary Not Available)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Telephone Operators.

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Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Telephone Operators" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.




Telephone Operators

Description: 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.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
4,800		 U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
3,600
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
-1,200 (-25.4%) 		Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
400
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Telephone Operators":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 88 (%) Description: 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.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Offer special assistance to persons such as those who are unable to dial or who are in emergency situations.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Suggest and check alternate spellings, locations, or listing formats to customers lacking details or complete information.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Listen to customer requests, referring to alphabetical or geographical directories to answer questions and provide telephone information.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Observe signal lights on switchboards, and dial or press buttons to make connections.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Update directory information.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Perform clerical duties such as typing, proofreading, and sorting mail.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Provide relay service for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Importance: 59 (%) Description: Operate paging systems or other systems of bells or buzzers to notify recipients of incoming calls.
Importance: 45 (%) Description: Provide assistance for customers with special billing requests.
Importance: 36 (%) Description: Keep records of calls placed and received, and of related toll charges.
Importance: 33 (%) Description: Monitor automated systems for placing collect calls and intervene for a callers needing assistance.
Importance: 31 (%) Description: Promote company products, services, and savings plans when appropriate.
Importance: 26 (%) Description: Interrupt busy lines if an emergency warrants.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
Assist disabled or incapacitated individuals.
Assist individuals with paperwork.
Discuss account status or activity with customers or patrons.
Enter information into databases or software programs.
Maintain call records.
Operate communications equipment or systems.
Promote products, services, or programs.
Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
Sort mail.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Assist individuals with paperwork.
Activity: Assist individuals with special needs.
Activity: Examine materials or documentation for accuracy or compliance.
Activity: Gather information from physical or electronic sources.
Activity: Maintain operational records.
Activity: Operate communications equipment or systems.
Activity: Process digital or online data.
Activity: Promote products, services, or programs.
Activity: Provide information to guests, clients, or customers.
Activity: Sort materials or products.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Emerging Tech Skills
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Operating system software:
Microsoft Windows
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Helpdesk or call center software:
Computer aided dispatch software
Operating system software:
Handheld computer device software
Video conferencing software:
Video conference software
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
These occupations involve following instructions and often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include dishwashers, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, counter and rental clerks, dental laboratory technicians, and security guards.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 97.8 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 1.9 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Frequency of Attainment: 0.2 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 51.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 17.4 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 12.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Frequency of Attainment: 9.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 6.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 3.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 0.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Up to and including 1 month
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
National Emergency Number Association (NENA) External Link
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings
Telephone Operators
411 Directory Assistance Operator (411 Directory Assistance Op)
Central Office Operator (CO Op)
Change Number Operator (Change Number Op)
Charge Operator (Charge Op)
Communications Operator (Communications Op)
Customer Service Assistant
Directory Assistance Operator (Directory Assistance Op)
Directory Operator (Directory Op)
Emergency Operator (Emergency Op)
Information Operator (Information Op)
Information Specialist
Inward Toll Operator (Inward Toll Op)
Live Source Operator (Live Source Op)
Local Operator (Local Op)
Local Telephone Operator (Local Phone Op)
Long Distance Operator (LD Operator)
Long Lines Operator (Long Lines Op)
Operator (Op)
PBX Operator (Post Box Exchange Operator)
Phone Operator (Telephone Operator)
Phone Secretary (Telephone Secretary)
Rate Quoting Operator (Rate Quoting Op)
Relief Operator (Relief Op)
Switchboard Op (Switchboard Operator)
TELECOM Op (Telecommunications Operator)
Telephone Exchange Operator (Phone Exchange Op)
Toll Operator (Toll Op)
Toll Relief Operator (Toll Relief Op)
Toll Service Observer
Trouble Operator (Trouble Op)
Related Careers to Consider
Related Careers to Consider
This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Telephone Operators" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
2 - Receptionists and Information Clerks
3 - Telemarketers
4 - Office Clerks, General
5 - Customer Service Representatives
6 - Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
7 - Public Safety Telecommunicators
8 - Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
9 - Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
10 - Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
11 - File Clerks
12 - Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
13 - Data Entry Keyers
14 - Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
15 - Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan
16 - Billing and Posting Clerks
17 - Cashiers
18 - Computer Network Support Specialists
19 - Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
20 - Word Processors and Typists

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Telephone Operators". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Telephone Operators". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Telephone Operators". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Telephone Operators


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Telephone Operators" occupation.






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