Careers · Telephone Operators · District of Columbia
Telephone Operators in District of Columbia
Telephone operators provide information to callers by looking up phone numbers, addresses, and other details in directories. They assist with billing inquiries, process third-party charges, handle refunds for incorrect calls, and may route emergency calls In District of Columbia the median pay is $49,330 a year, 18% above the national median of $41,740.
$49,330median pay in District of Columbia, per year
$40,300–$58,510middle half earn
50employed in District of Columbia
$41,740U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against telephone operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against telephone operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Active ListeningSpeakingService OrientationSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingMonitoringComplex Problem Solving
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceTelecommunicationsAdministrativeEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and Management
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Telephone Operators.
Licenses and training in District of Columbia
Telephone Operators pay in other states
California · $57,170New York · $50,220Massachusetts · $47,940Wisconsin · $46,590Maryland · $42,460Virginia · $42,350New Jersey · $41,960Texas · $41,250North Carolina · $40,360Michigan · $37,550
Related occupations
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering ServiceCommunications Equipment Operators, All OtherFirst-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support WorkersBill and Account CollectorsBilling and Posting ClerksBookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing ClerksGambling Cage WorkersPayroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against telephone operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against telephone operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-2021.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, District of Columbia, annual.