Telephone Operators Salary by State
The national median pay for telephone operators is $41,740 a year. By state, it ranges from $31,400 in Louisiana to $57,170 in California.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $31,510
- 25th percentile
- $36,920
- Median
- $41,740
- 75th percentile
- $51,510
- Top 10%
- $62,950
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 3,430 jobs.
Median pay in 15 states and DC
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $57,170 | +37% | $44,120 | $66,670 | 230 |
| 2 | New York | $50,220 | +20% | $37,840 | $70,810 | Not published |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $49,330 | +18% | $37,490 | $72,090 | 50 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $47,940 | +15% | $43,900 | $79,300 | Not published |
| 5 | Wisconsin | $46,590 | +12% | $38,940 | $48,520 | 60 |
| 6 | Maryland | $42,460 | +2% | $40,980 | $49,980 | 110 |
| 7 | Virginia | $42,350 | +1% | $37,220 | $48,710 | Not published |
| 8 | New Jersey | $41,960 | +1% | $37,120 | $55,000 | 190 |
| 9 | Texas | $41,250 | −1% | $34,550 | $56,900 | 280 |
| 10 | North Carolina | $40,360 | −3% | $29,330 | $47,750 | 40 |
| 11 | Michigan | $37,550 | −10% | $35,640 | $49,070 | 80 |
| 12 | Oklahoma | $37,320 | −11% | $37,250 | $37,320 | 40 |
| 13 | Florida | $37,180 | −11% | $36,130 | $52,680 | 70 |
| 14 | Ohio | $36,970 | −11% | $31,990 | $50,500 | 220 |
| 15 | Georgia | $36,920 | −12% | $33,080 | $50,360 | 160 |
| 16 | Louisiana | $31,400 | −25% | $25,040 | $38,410 | 50 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Telephone Operators salary questions
Which state pays telephone operators the most?
California, with a median of $57,170 a year (+37% vs. the national median of $41,740). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays telephone operators the least?
Louisiana, with a median of $31,400 a year (−25% vs. national).
Where do most telephone operators work?
Texas has the most jobs, about 280, with a median of $41,250.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.