Telephone Operators
Every task in this role, whether it passes the census's structural hand-over screen, which models pass it, and why. It is a screen, not a claim about what AI can do: a task can pass and still be beyond the systems of the day. The stricter and looser rules re-vote every task, and small differences between roles are noise.
Passes the screen · 3 of 14 tasks
Listen to customer requests, referring to alphabetical or geographical directories to answer questions and provide telephone information.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 11.5% of the role's time · $15.2M · passed by Claude Sonnet, GPT-6 Sol · the models disagreed
Update directory information.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 4.9% of the role's time · $6.5M · all three pass it
Keep records of calls placed and received, and of related toll charges.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 3.3% of the role's time · $4.4M · passed by Claude Sonnet, GPT-6 Sol · the models disagreed
Does not pass
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.
physical work, outside the screen · 15.2% of the role's time · $20.2M
Observe signal lights on switchboards, and dial or press buttons to make connections.
physical work, outside the screen · 14.6% of the role's time · $19.4M
Suggest and check alternate spellings, locations, or listing formats to customers lacking details or complete information.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 11.4% of the role's time · $15.2M · waiting on a check
Operate paging systems or other systems of bells or buzzers to notify recipients of incoming calls.
physical work, outside the screen · 9.7% of the role's time · $12.9M
Perform clerical duties such as typing, proofreading, and sorting mail.
physical work, outside the screen · 8.2% of the role's time · $10.9M
Offer special assistance to persons such as those who are unable to dial or who are in emergency situations.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 7.8% of the role's time · $10.3M
Monitor automated systems for placing collect calls and intervene for a callers needing assistance.
physical work, outside the screen · 3.8% of the role's time · $5.0M
Provide assistance for customers with special billing requests.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 3.2% of the role's time · $4.3M
Promote company products, services, and savings plans when appropriate.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 3.0% of the role's time · $3.9M
Interrupt busy lines if an emergency warrants.
physical work, outside the screen · 2.4% of the role's time · $3.2M
Provide relay service for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.1% of the role's time · $1.5M · waiting on a check
Where this role works
| Industry | Workers | Wage bill | Passes the screen | All three pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1080 | $47.3M | $9.3M | $2.3M |
| Offices of Physicians | 760 | $28.5M | $5.6M | $1.4M |
| Telecommunications | 350 | $19.2M | $3.8M | $936k |
| Traveler Accommodation | 360 | $15.0M | $2.9M | $731k |
| Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | 210 | $10.4M | $2.1M | $509k |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 80 | $3.9M | $765k | $190k |
| Automobile Dealers | 70 | $3.0M | $585k | $145k |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 50 | $2.1M | $416k | $103k |
| Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | 50 | $2.0M | $389k | $96.4k |
| Credit Intermediation and Related Activities (5221 and 5223 only) | 40 | $1.5M | $291k | $72.3k |