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AI Work Index

Headline risk

78%

Very High Risk

Telephone operators

United States AI Work Index43-2021

AI displacement pressure score for United States AI Work Index, combining global AI task overlap with local wages, employment trends, and demand signals.

4 current · 2.9 projectedConfidence high

Why This Score

Tasks 93%

Share of job tasks that overlap with current AI capabilities

Wage $39K

Median annual wage

Demand -28%

Projected employment change over 10 years

Preparation Zone 2

Typical preparation needed for this occupation

Occupation profile

Provide information by accessing alphabetical, geographical, or other directories. Assist customers with special billing requests, such as charges to a third party and credits or refunds for incorrectly dialed numbers or bad connections. May handle emergency calls and assist children or people with physical disabilities to make telephone calls.

Task evidence

93% weighted task match · 6% effective coverage

Scores combine AI task overlap, human advantages, and local demand. How it works

United States Now

Median Wage

USD 39,130

Employment 2024

4.0K

Projected Change (2024–34)

-27.5%

Openings (2024–34)

0.3K

Wage distribution

Bottom 10%: USD 31,44025th pctl: USD 35,860Median: USD 39,13075th pctl: USD 48,530Top 10%: USD 57,510

Demand outlook

Projections published, but no prose outlook available.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent Experience: —

Role Profile

AdaptabilitySpeaking and listeningCustomer service

Tasks

  • 1. Operate telephone switchboards and systems to advance and complete connections, including those for local, long distance, pay telephone, mobile, person-to-person, and emergency calls. AI use: 0%
  • 2. Observe signal lights on switchboards, and dial or press buttons to make connections. AI use: 0%
  • 3. Offer special assistance to persons such as those who are unable to dial or who are in emergency situations. AI use: 0%
  • 4. Listen to customer requests, referring to alphabetical or geographical directories to answer questions and provide telephone information. AI use: 0%
  • 5. Suggest and check alternate spellings, locations, or listing formats to customers lacking details or complete information. AI use: 0%
  • 6. Update directory information. AI use: 0%

Technologies

Microsoft Office softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word

Requirements

Can telework: 13.2%No education requirement: 12.7%High school diploma: 87.1%On-the-job training: 21.62%Prior work experience: 23.6%Specific vocational preparation: 70.1%Adaptability: Work schedule variability: 34.9%Work pace: 51.9%

Work context

Contact With Others 5.0/5
Telephone Conversations 5.0/5
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General 4.7/5
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team 4.7/5
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams 4.6/5
E-Mail 4.5/5

Worker profile

Median age 40.9 · 404K employed

Under 25: 14% · 25–54: 65% · 55+: 21%

Related

No direct US role match is available yet for this occupation.

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