Running a call center in 2025 isn’t just about answering calls and solving customer problems. It’s a business with real costs, just like running a restaurant or a retail store. If you’ve ever wondered how much it takes to keep a call center running, this guide breaks it all down in a simple, straightforward way.

We’ll cover everything. How much do you need to pay your agents, the cost of renting an office, buying software, and even small things like internet bills and training costs? Plus, we’ll look at how solutions like Omninteract can help make things smoother and more cost-effective.

Let’s dive into the numbers and see exactly what it takes to run a call center in 2025.

Paying Your Call Center Agents

Your agents are the backbone of your call center. They’re the ones answering customer calls, handling complaints, and making sure your business stays on top of customer service. Because of that, they need to be paid well.

How much do call center agents earn in 2025?

• United States: The average yearly salary of a call center agent is $42,119 (source).
• That comes to about $3,510 per month per agent.
• If you have a 20-agent call center, that means you’re spending $842,380 per year just on salaries.

Other costs related to employees

• Benefits & Insurance: Health insurance, paid leaves, and retirement benefits can add another 20-30% to total employee costs.
• Hiring & Training Costs: On average, training a new agent costs $1,500 per person. If you hire 10 new agents every year, that’s $15,000 in training expenses.

If you want your call center to be successful, paying competitive salaries is a must. The better you pay, the more likely you are to keep your best agents.

Renting an Office Space

Call centers need a physical space for their employees unless they’re fully remote. Office rental costs vary depending on location.

How much does office space cost in 2025?

• The average office rent in the U.S. is $20 per square foot per year (source).
• A mid-sized call center needs around 5,000 square feet of space.
• That means $100,000 per year just for renting the office.

Some call centers are moving to remote or hybrid models to save money. By allowing agents to work from home, businesses can reduce office space requirements and cut down rent costs by 30-50%.

Buying Equipment & Technology

Every agent needs a computer, headset, and stable internet to handle calls.

How much does equipment cost per agent?

• Desktop or laptop: $1,200 per agent
• Headset & Microphone: $200 per agent
• Internet & networking setup: $600 per agent

For a 20-agent call center, initial equipment setup will cost:

• $2,000 per agent x 20 agents = $40,000 one-time cost

Call Center Software Costs

A call center can’t function without software. There are two types:

1. Cloud-Based Call Center Software (subscription-based)
   • Costs $60 to $129 per agent per month (source).
   • For 20 agents, the yearly cost is $14,400 to $30,960.
2. On-Premise Call Center Software (one-time license fee)
   • Costs $500 to $2,000 per agent (source).
   • For 20 agents, the one-time cost is $10,000 to $40,000.

Cloud-based solutions are more popular in 2025 because they don’t require a high upfront investment, and companies don’t need to worry about maintenance.

Monthly Bills: Internet, Utilities & Miscellaneous Costs

Just like running a house, running a call center comes with monthly bills:

• Internet & network maintenance: $500 – $1,000 per month
• Electricity & utilities: $2,000 per month
• Office supplies, furniture & maintenance: $10,000 per year

Small expenses add up, and if not managed well, they can eat into profits.

Considering Outsourcing Instead?

Many companies choose to outsource instead of running their own call centers.

• Outsourcing cost per call in 2025: $2.70 – $5.60 (source).
• If your company receives 50,000 calls per year, outsourcing costs will be:
  • At $2.70 per call: $135,000 per year
  • At $5.60 per call: $280,000 per year

Outsourcing is often cheaper than running an in-house call center, especially for companies that don’t need full-time customer support.

How Omninteract Can Help Reduce Costs

With so many costs involved in running a call center, businesses are always looking for ways to save money while improving efficiency. That’s where Omninteract comes in.

Omninteract provides an AI-powered communication platform that:

• Reduces agent workload by automating repetitive customer queries.
• Integrates all customer communication channels (calls, chat, email) into one platform.
• Lowers software costs by offering an all-in-one solution instead of multiple expensive tools.

Companies using Omninteract can cut their operating costs by up to 30%, making call center management more affordable and effective.

Total Estimated Cost Breakdown

Expense Category	Cost Estimate (Per Year)
Agent Salaries (20 agents)	$842,380
Office Rent (5,000 sq. ft.)	$100,000
Equipment (Initial Cost)	$40,000
Call Center Software	$14,400 – $40,000
Internet & Utilities	$24,000
Miscellaneous Costs	$10,000
Total Estimated Cost	$1,030,780 – $1,056,380

Is Running a Call Center Worth It?

Running a call center in 2025 comes with significant expenses, but with proper budgeting and smart technology choices, companies can make their operations more cost-efficient.

If hiring and maintaining an in-house team seems expensive, outsourcing or using AI-driven solutions like Omninteract can be a game-changer. Businesses that optimize their operations will not only save money but also improve customer service efficiency.

At the end of the day, the right decision depends on your company’s needs and budget. But one thing is clear. Understanding the costs is the first step to running a successful call center.