Home / Federal careers / GS-0382
Telephone Operating
Federal position operating telephone switchboards, providing telecommunications services, and managing call routing and communications support at federal facilities and government agencies.
What GS-0382 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| 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 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0382, as written.
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Clerical and Administrative Support Positions
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%.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-0382
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Information Systems Technician
Information Systems Technicians manage and operate communication systems, making them well-suited for telephone operating roles.
Skills that carry over: Equipment Operation, Communication, Customer Service, Memory.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9.
Radio Operator-Maintainer
The Radio Operator-Maintainer role involves managing communications equipment and providing communication support, which aligns well with telephone operating duties.
Skills that carry over: Communication, Equipment Operation, Composure, Customer Service.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-7.
Client Systems Technician
Client Systems Technicians support communication systems and user interfaces, providing a moderate fit for telephone operating roles.
Skills that carry over: Equipment Operation, Communication, Customer Service.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-7.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Operate switchboard
- Route calls
- Provide directory assistance
- Handle emergency calls
- Maintain call logs
Key competencies
Communication
Clear and professional telephone manner.
Customer Service
Skill in assisting callers courteously.
Equipment Operation
Proficiency with telephone systems.
Memory
Ability to recall frequently used numbers and extensions.
Composure
Ability to handle high call volumes and emergencies.
Attention to Detail
Accuracy in connecting calls and taking messages.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0382
What is a federal Telephone Operator?
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.
How much does a federal Telephone Operator make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-0382 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0382?
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.
What is the career progression for Telephone Operators?
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.
How do I apply for GS-0382 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to apply for GS-0382?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.