As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Telephone Operator in Tennessee is $35,362 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Telephone Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Telephone Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $38,479 | $3,207 | $740 | $18 |
| Average | $35,362 | $2,947 | $680 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,057 | $2,671 | $616 | $15 |
A Telephone Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Telephone Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Telephone Operator | $35,270 |
| Intermediate Level Telephone Operator | $36,299 |
| Senior Level Telephone Operator | $38,330 |
| Specialist Level Telephone Operator | $38,627 |
| Expert Level Telephone Operator | $38,776 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Telephone Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Telephone Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Telephone Operator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Telephone Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $44,203 | $21.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $42,435 | $20.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $42,435 | $20.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $40,667 | $20.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $40,667 | $20.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Telephone Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $38,479 | $3,207 | $740 | $18 |
| Average | $35,362 | $2,947 | $680 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,057 | $2,671 | $616 | $15 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Telephone Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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