Telephone Operators
43-2021.00
Updated 2024

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.

Sample of reported job titles: 411 Directory Assistance Operator (411 Directory Assistance Op), Directory Assistance Operator (Directory Assistance Op), Information Specialist, Live Source Operator (Live Source Op), Long Distance Operator (LD Operator), PBX Operator (Post Box Exchange Operator), Phone Operator (Telephone Operator), Phone Secretary (Telephone Secretary), TELECOM Op (Telecommunications Operator), Toll Operator (Toll Op)

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceCategoryTask
90
 
Core
Observe signal lights on switchboards, and dial or press buttons to make connections.
86
 
Core
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.
81
 
Core
Listen to customer requests, referring to alphabetical or geographical directories to answer questions and provide telephone information.
78
 
Core
Update directory information.
78
 
Core
Suggest and check alternate spellings, locations, or listing formats to customers lacking details or complete information.
76
 
Core
Perform clerical duties such as typing, proofreading, and sorting mail.
75
 
Core
Offer special assistance to persons such as those who are unable to dial or who are in emergency situations.
89
 
Supplemental
Operate paging systems or other systems of bells or buzzers to notify recipients of incoming calls.
80
 
Supplemental
Monitor automated systems for placing collect calls and intervene for a callers needing assistance.
74
 
Supplemental
Interrupt busy lines if an emergency warrants.
72
 
Supplemental
Provide assistance for customers with special billing requests.
71
 
Supplemental
Provide relay service for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
70
 
Supplemental
Keep records of calls placed and received, and of related toll charges.
66
 
Supplemental
Promote company products, services, and savings plans when appropriate.
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Technology Skills Save Table: XLSX CSV

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In demand
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Tools Used Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceWork Activity
87
 
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
85
 
Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
78
 
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
77
 
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
76
 
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
73
 
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
72
 
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
64
 
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
62
 
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
58
 
Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
57
 
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
57
 
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
56
 
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
55
 
Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
52
 
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
52
 
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
47
 
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
47
 
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
46
 
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
46
 
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
44
 
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
43
 
Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
42
 
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
42
 
Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
37
 
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
37
 
Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
34
 
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
33
 
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
32
 
Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
32
 
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
32
 
Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
29
 
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
27
 
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
25
 
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
23
 
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
20
 
Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
19
 
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
16
 
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
16
 
Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
13
 
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
9
 
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Detailed Work Activities Save Table: XLSX CSV

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Work Context Save Table: XLSX CSV

  • Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      Constant contact with others
  • Telephone Conversations — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      Every day
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General — How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?
    • 74%
      74%
       
      Extremely important
    • 22%
      22%
       
      Very important
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?
    • 88%
      88%
       
      Extremely important
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams — How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?
    • 82%
      82%
       
      Every day
    • 11%
      11%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
  • E-Mail — How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?
    • 82%
      82%
       
      Every day
    • 18%
      18%
       
      Never
  • Frequency of Decision Making — How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
    • 68%
      68%
       
      Every day
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Never
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
    • 32%
      32%
       
      Extremely important
    • 52%
      52%
       
      Very important
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities — How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?
    • 68%
      68%
       
      Extremely important
    • 20%
      20%
       
      Not important at all
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People — How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
    • 40%
      40%
       
      Every day
    • 27%
      27%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 25%
      25%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?
    • 18%
      18%
       
      Extremely important
    • 25%
      25%
       
      Important
  • Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting?
    • 19%
      19%
       
      Less than half the time
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
    • 31%
      31%
       
      Very important results
    • 17%
      17%
       
      No results
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
    • 28%
      28%
       
      A lot of freedom
    • 43%
      43%
       
      Some freedom
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals — How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?
    • 33%
      33%
       
      A lot of freedom
    • 28%
      28%
       
      Some freedom
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Very little freedom
  • Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
    • 47%
      47%
       
      Every day
    • 25%
      25%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 25%
      25%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
    • 28%
      28%
       
      Every day
    • 42%
      42%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 22%
      22%
       
      Never
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
    • 61%
      61%
       
      Continually or almost continually
    • 36%
      36%
       
      Never
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers — How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
    • 37%
      37%
       
      Very high responsibility
    • 30%
      30%
       
      Moderate responsibility
  • Conflict Situations — How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
    • 13%
      13%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 36%
      36%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 11%
      11%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Never
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers — How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
    • 20%
      20%
       
      Very high responsibility
    • 14%
      14%
       
      High responsibility
    • 37%
      37%
       
      Moderate responsibility
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Limited responsibility
    • 14%
      14%
       
      No responsibility
  • Written Letters and Memos — How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?
    • 36%
      36%
       
      Every day
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 13%
      13%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
  • Physical Proximity — To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?
    • 36%
      36%
       
      Moderately close (at arm's length)
    • 20%
      20%
       
      I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)
    • 13%
      13%
       
      I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)
  • Level of Competition — To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
    • 25%
      25%
       
      Extremely important
    • 13%
      13%
       
      Very important
    • 13%
      13%
       
      Important
  • Public Speaking — How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?
    • 27%
      27%
       
      Every day
    • 19%
      19%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
  • Degree of Automation — How automated is the job?
    • 13%
      13%
       
      Highly automated
    • 39%
      39%
       
      Moderately automated
    • 44%
      44%
       
      Slightly automated
  • Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.
    • 11%
      11%
       
      More than 40 hours
    • 31%
      31%
       
      Less than 40 hours
  • Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?
    • 11%
      11%
       
      About half the time
  • Consequence of Error — How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Very serious
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body — How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
    • 25%
      25%
       
      More than half the time
    • 11%
      11%
       
      Less than half the time
  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People — How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?
    • 25%
      25%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 21%
      21%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
  • Spend Time Walking or Running — How much does this job require walking or running?
    • 11%
      11%
       
      Continually or almost continually
    • 11%
      11%
       
      About half the time
  • Exposed to Contaminants — How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Every day
    • 75%
      75%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions — How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
    • 13%
      13%
       
      Every day
    • 11%
      11%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?
    • 11%
      11%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 81%
      81%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 75%
      75%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections — How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 78%
      78%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Radiation — How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
    • 11%
      11%
       
      Every day
    • 89%
      89%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration — How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?
    • 89%
      89%
       
      Never
  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance — How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?
    • 13%
      13%
       
      Less than half the time
  • Work Schedules — How regular are the work schedules for this job?
    • 92%
      92%
       
      Regular (established routine, set schedule)
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
    • 97%
      97%
       
      Never
  • Outdoors, Under Cover — How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?
    • 92%
      92%
       
      Never
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
    • 92%
      92%
       
      Never
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?
    • 99%
      99%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to High Places — How often does this job require exposure to high places?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      Never
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment — How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      Never
  • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment — How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      Never
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions — How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      Never
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles — How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      Never
  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling — How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      Never

Experience Requirements

Job Zone Save Table: XLSX CSV

Title
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
SVP Range
(4.0 to < 6.0)

Training & Credentials

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Apprenticeship Opportunities

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Worker Requirements

Skills Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceSkill
75
 
Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
75
 
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
63
 
Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
53
 
Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
50
 
Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
50
 
Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
44
 
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
41
 
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
38
 
Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
38
 
Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
31
 
Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
31
 
Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
31
 
Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
25
 
Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
25
 
Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
25
 
Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
25
 
Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
25
 
Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
22
 
Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
22
 
Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
22
 
Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
19
 
Operations Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
10
 
Management of Financial Resources — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
10
 
Management of Material Resources — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
10
 
Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
6
 
Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
6
 
Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
3
 
Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
3
 
Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
0
 
Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
0
 
Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
0
 
Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
0
 
Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
0
 
Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
0
 
Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceKnowledge
81
 
Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
69
 
Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
65
 
Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
55
 
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
53
 
Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
40
 
Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
36
 
Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
33
 
Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
31
 
Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
28
 
Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
20
 
Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
20
 
Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
18
 
Foreign Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
18
 
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
16
 
Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
15
 
Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
15
 
Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
15
 
Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
14
 
Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
14
 
Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
12
 
Philosophy and Theology — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
11
 
Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
8
 
History and Archeology — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
8
 
Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
7
 
Food Production — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
6
 
Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
6
 
Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
5
 
Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
4
 
Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
4
 
Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
4
 
Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
3
 
Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
3
 
Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:

  • 98%
     
    High school diploma or equivalent required
  • 2%
     
    Associate’s degree required

Worker Characteristics

Abilities Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceAbility
78
 
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
75
 
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
75
 
Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
75
 
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
50
 
Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
50
 
Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
50
 
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
50
 
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
47
 
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
47
 
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
44
 
Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
44
 
Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
41
 
Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
38
 
Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
38
 
Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
38
 
Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
31
 
Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
28
 
Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
28
 
Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
25
 
Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
25
 
Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
25
 
Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
25
 
Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
25
 
Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
25
 
Memorization — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
25
 
Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
22
 
Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
22
 
Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
22
 
Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
22
 
Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
22
 
Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
22
 
Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
16
 
Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
16
 
Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
16
 
Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
13
 
Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
13
 
Dynamic Strength — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
13
 
Response Orientation — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
0
 
Dynamic Flexibility — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
0
 
Explosive Strength — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
0
 
Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
0
 
Glare Sensitivity — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
0
 
Gross Body Coordination — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
0
 
Gross Body Equilibrium — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
0
 
Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
0
 
Night Vision — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
0
 
Peripheral Vision — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
0
 
Sound Localization — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
0
 
Spatial Orientation — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
0
 
Speed of Limb Movement — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
0
 
Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
0
 
Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
87
 
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
59
 
Social — Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
39
 
Enterprising — Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
30
 
Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
1
 
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
0
 
Artistic — Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Values Save Table: XLSX CSV

ExtentWork Value
72
 
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
50
 
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
33
 
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
28
 
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
28
 
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
28
 
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Work Styles Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceWork Style
89
 
Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
88
 
Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
88
 
Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
88
 
Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
86
 
Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
86
 
Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
81
 
Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
80
 
Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
78
 
Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
77
 
Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
77
 
Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
74
 
Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
69
 
Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
68
 
Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
56
 
Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
52
 
Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2023)
$18.31 hourly, $38,080 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2023)
4,700 employees
Projected growth (2023-2033)
Decline (-1% or lower)
Projected job openings (2023-2033)
400
State trends
Top industries (2023)
Health Care and Social Assistance (44% employed in this sector)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 wage data and 2023-2033 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2023-2033). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings

More Information

Professional Associations

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

National Associations
Accreditation, Certification, & Unions