Telephonists Salary
Salary data from ONS ASHE. Some figures may be unavailable due to small sample sizes.
For telephonists, £31,568 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -19% versus the national average.
About this role
Telephonists operate telephone switchboards and call routing systems, connecting callers, managing incoming and outgoing calls, taking messages and providing a professional first point of contact for organisations.
Key responsibilities
- Operating switchboard and call management systems
- Answering incoming calls and routing to appropriate departments
- Taking messages and managing call logs
- Providing information and handling general enquiries
- Managing conference calls and call forwarding
Qualifications and entry routes
No formal qualifications are required. Good communication skills, telephone manner and IT proficiency are essential. Customer service qualifications are valued.
Career outlook
Traditional switchboard roles are declining with digital phone systems and auto-attendants. Remaining roles combine reception and telephone duties.
Key skills
Common industries
- Corporate offices
- NHS and healthcare
- Hotels
- Call centres
- Public sector
Data coverage
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Telephonists salary: common questions
How much do telephonists earn in the UK?
Is £31,568 a good salary in the UK?
Have telephonists salaries kept up with inflation?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).