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Telephone Operators Salary in CA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Telephone Operators in CA have a median annual salary of $57,170, with 230 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $44,120 at the 10th percentile to $66,670 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$57,170

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$27.49

Employment

230

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$44,120
10th
$45,950
25th
$57,170
Median
$63,510
75th
$66,670
90th

Local compared with national

CA

$57,170

Median annual · 2025

United States

$41,740

Median annual · 2025

The CA median is 37.0% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $15,430).

Top skills

  1. 1.Active ListeningImportance 4.0
  2. 2.SpeakingImportance 4.0
  3. 3.Service OrientationImportance 3.5
  4. 4.Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1
  5. 5.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  6. 6.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.0
  7. 7.MonitoringImportance 2.8
  8. 8.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.6
  9. 9.CoordinationImportance 2.5
  10. 10.Time ManagementImportance 2.5
  11. 11.WritingImportance 2.3
  12. 12.Active LearningImportance 2.3

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Computer aided dispatch software
  • Handheld computer device software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Video conference software

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.
  • Perform clerical duties such as typing, proofreading, and sorting mail.
  • Offer special assistance to persons such as those who are unable to dial or who are in emergency situations.
  • Operate paging systems or other systems of bells or buzzers to notify recipients of incoming calls.
  • Monitor automated systems for placing collect calls and intervene for a callers needing assistance.
  • Interrupt busy lines if an emergency warrants.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Telephone Operators salary in other locations

Other occupations in CA