Nature of the Work

Most communications equipment operators work as switchboard operators or telephone operators for a wide variety of businesses. They may relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls, or assist customers with clerical duties, such as offer directory information, take messages, greet and announce visitors or, in some cases, handle billing requests or emergency calls.

Education and Training

Communications equipment operators generally receive informal on the job training, so a high school diploma is sufficient for most positions.

Job Outlook

Employment change. Employment of communications equipment operators is expected to decline rapidly due to new labor-saving communications technologies, such as voice recognition technology and internet directory assistance services. The movement of jobs to foreign countries, proliferation of cell phones, and consolidation of telephone operator jobs into fewer locations also will continue to negatively impact employment growth.

Job prospects. Despite declining employment, job prospects should be favorable as occupational turnover is expected to remain high.