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Federal position operating telephone switchboards, providing telecommunications services, and managing call routing and communications support at federal facilities and government agencies.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0382
Individual Occupational Requirements: There is no OPM qualification standard for this series. If a standard is needed to fill positions in this series, the employing agency should contact OPM for assistance.
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school |
| GS-4 | 1 year | None | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4 years above high school |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Generally not applicable |
General Experience: Progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.
Education: One year of full-time academic study equals 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or approximately 36 weeks at 20+ classroom hours per week.
Combining Education and Experience: For grades GS-3 through GS-5, applicants may substitute education for experience. Express both as percentages; combined must equal at least 100%.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal telephone operating position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0382
Information Systems Technicians manage and operate communication systems, making them well-suited for telephone operating roles.
The Radio Operator-Maintainer role involves managing communications equipment and providing communication support, which aligns well with telephone operating duties.
Client Systems Technicians support communication systems and user interfaces, providing a moderate fit for telephone operating roles.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Clear and professional telephone manner.
Skill in assisting callers courteously.
Proficiency with telephone systems.
Ability to recall frequently used numbers and extensions.
Ability to handle high call volumes and emergencies.
Accuracy in connecting calls and taking messages.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Grade information not available
GS-0382 Telephone Operators run switchboards, route calls, provide directory assistance, and manage communications at federal facilities. They handle routine calls, emergencies, and after-hours coverage at military installations, federal buildings, and agency call centers.
GS-0382 positions typically range from GS-2 ($25,142) to GS-5 ($34,454-$44,786). Most positions are GS-3 to GS-4 ($27,434-$40,038). Lead operators at large installations may reach GS-5/6. Add locality pay of 15-40%. Benefits add significant value.
At GS-3, you need 6 months of general experience or 1 year of education above high school. Clear, professional telephone manner and customer service skills are essential. Higher grades require specialized experience operating multi-line phone systems or telecommunications equipment.
Yes. Military switchboard operation, communications center experience, or customer service roles qualify. If you routed calls, operated tactical or garrison communications equipment, or provided directory assistance, that experience translates directly. Your experience handling emergency calls is particularly valuable.
Start at GS-2/3 with progression to GS-4/5. Lead or supervisory positions exist at large facilities. Many transition to Telecommunications Specialist, Customer Service Representative, or administrative positions. This is often an entry point to federal careers with regular schedules and benefits.
Search USAJOBS for 'Telephone Operator' or 'Switchboard Operator.' Positions exist at military installations, large federal buildings, and VA hospitals. Emphasize your customer service skills, clear communication, and ability to remain calm under pressure. Veterans preference applies.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.