SOC 43-2021
Telephone Operators
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ89/100
Very High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ3,950
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$39K
$31K โ $58K
Projected Growth
๐-27.5%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค67/100
High exposure
๐ก Telephone Operators face a risk score of 89/100 โ 45 points above the national average of 44. With 67/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $39K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 89/100, Telephone Operators faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include ai summarization replacing manual report compilation and ai coding assistants reducing developer demand. The 3,950 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in coordinating complex multi-party events and logistics and managing sensitive interpersonal workplace situations to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Telephone Operators?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
AI summarization replacing manual report compilation
AI coding assistants reducing developer demand
Automated data interpretation and insight generation
Robotic process automation of data entry workflows
Automated invoice and expense processing
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Coordinating complex multi-party events and logistics
Managing sensitive interpersonal workplace situations
Exercising discretion in ambiguous administrative decisions
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
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.
๐ป Technology Skills
Helpdesk or call center software
Operating system software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Electronic mail software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
Telecommunications
Administrative
English Language
Computers and Electronics
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | 23 | $66K | 72% |
| Education Administrators, All Other | 21 | $89K | 61% |
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 56% |