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Telephone Operators Salary in NY

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Telephone Operators in NY have a median annual salary of $50,220. Recorded earnings range from $37,840 at the 10th percentile to $70,810 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

$50,220

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$24.15

Employment

—

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$37,840
10th
$39,140
25th
$50,220
Median
$58,170
75th
$70,810
90th

Local compared with national

NY

$50,220

Median annual · 2025

United States

$41,740

Median annual · 2025

The NY median is 20.3% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $8,480).

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 NY