How to become a Telephonist
Official title: Telephonists
Also called: Telephonist, Telephonist-clerk, Telephonist-typist, Shorthand telephonist, Telephonist-secretary, Telephonist-receptionist, Call handler, Night operator, Phone operator, Telephone operator, Telephone attendant, Telephone operative
Telephonists receive and direct callers in commercial, industrial and other establishments, and operate telephone (public) and office (private) switchboards to advise on, and assist with, making telephone calls and to relay incoming, outgoing and internal calls.
Main tasks
- Receives callers and directs them to appropriate person or department
- Operates switchboard to connect outgoing calls or to relay incoming or internal calls
- Reports any faults on telephone operating system
- Gives advice on dialling and other special features available
- Provides directory information, dialling codes and details of charges
- Alerts emergency services in cases of fire, crime or accident
How to become one
Academic qualifications may not be required. On-the-job training is provided.
Pay · Outlook
- Median full-time pay: £31,568 a year
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Telephonist?
Academic qualifications may not be required. On-the-job training is provided.
How much does a Telephonist earn in the UK?
Median full-time pay is £31,568 a year (Office for National Statistics).
Sources
- Office for National Statistics: SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions (2026-08-27 edition), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Office for National Statistics: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Table 14 (2025 provisional), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Office for National Statistics: Annual Population Survey: employment by occupation (April 2025 to March 2026), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03