How much does a Telephone Operator make in California?
A Telephone Operator working in California earns a median salary of $57,170 per year, or about $27.49 per hour. That is 37% above the national median of $41,740 for this occupation.
Within California, entry-level pay starts around $44,120 while the top 10% make $66,670 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $45,950 and $63,510 a year.
Telephone Operator salary range in California
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,120 | $21.21 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $45,950 | $22.09 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $57,170 | $27.49 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $63,510 | $30.53 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $66,670 | $32.05 |
How California compares
California ranks 1st out of 16 states and territories for Telephone Operator pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
| Rank | State | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $57,170 |
| 2 | New York | $50,220 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $49,330 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $47,940 |
| 5 | Wisconsin | $46,590 |
Telephone Operator salary in other states
Working as a Telephone Operator in California
Nationally, about 3,000 people work as Telephone Operators in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.
Considering a move? Compare California pay ($57,170) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
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← See the national Telephone Operator salary report