Office & Admin · SOC 43-2021
Telephone operators are among the most directly displaced by AI voice systems and directory automation already in widespread deployment.
Core tasks are highly automatable — expect major disruption.
Timeline: This role has been in structural decline for over a decade; AI voice assistants will eliminate most remaining positions within 2–4 years.
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$35,000 median pay
$46,040 median pay
$55,290 median pay
$51,440 median pay
$48,950 median pay
$49,130 median pay
AI job-risk card
Telephone Operators is high risk on AIFear. Core tasks are highly automatable — expect major disruption.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Telephone Operators is 82/100 (High risk). Core tasks are highly automatable — expect major disruption.
82 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Answering customer requests and providing directory information, Updating directory records, Keeping records of calls and charges. Harder to automate: Providing specialized assistance to callers with disabilities or emergencies, Physically operating legacy switchboard hardware where it remains.
Lean into Accessibility and assistive communication, Customer empathy and de-escalation, Digital communication platform management, Voice UI quality monitoring. Consider roles such as Telecommunications customer support specialist or Accessibility services coordinator or Help desk technician.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.