All About Computer Operators
Job Description & Duties Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages. May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices.
Computer Operator Responsibilities
- Respond to program error messages by finding and correcting problems or terminating the program.
- Enter commands, using computer terminal, and activate controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment.
- Oversee the operation of computer hardware systems, including coordinating and scheduling the use of computer terminals and networks to ensure efficient use.
- Help programmers and systems analysts test and debug new programs.
- Retrieve, separate, and sort program output as needed, and send data to specified users.
- Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.
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What a Computer Operator Should Know
When polled, Computer Operators say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Types of Computer Operator Jobs
- Imaging Specialist
- Computer Peripheral Equipment Operator
- Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist)
- Computer Operator
- Environmental Web Crawler
Computer Operator Employment Estimates
There were about 51,500 jobs for Computer Operator in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Computer Operator. There will be an estimated 3,400 positions for Computer Operator per year.
The states with the most job growth for Computer Operator are Washington, Maryland, and Alaska. Watch out if you plan on working in Illinois, Ohio, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Computer Operator Average Salary
Computer Operators make between $27,490 and $65,130 a year.
Computer Operators who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer Operators make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $40,660 |
| Alaska | $57,770 |
| Arizona | $49,810 |
| Arkansas | $35,300 |
| California | $52,480 |
| Colorado | $48,470 |
| Connecticut | $50,970 |
| Delaware | $45,450 |
| District of Columbia | $60,100 |
| Florida | $46,370 |
| Georgia | $43,710 |
| Hawaii | $47,400 |
| Idaho | $45,040 |
| Illinois | $48,260 |
| Indiana | $42,000 |
| Iowa | $43,380 |
| Kansas | $49,130 |
| Kentucky | $45,890 |
| Louisiana | $38,490 |
| Maine | $48,260 |
| Maryland | $47,250 |
| Massachusetts | $52,030 |
| Michigan | $44,990 |
| Minnesota | $51,970 |
| Mississippi | $39,410 |
| Missouri | $41,320 |
| Montana | $36,780 |
| Nebraska | $45,380 |
| Nevada | $47,900 |
| New Hampshire | $52,000 |
| New Jersey | $45,130 |
| New Mexico | $44,920 |
| New York | $48,280 |
| North Carolina | $44,530 |
| North Dakota | $48,050 |
| Ohio | $42,280 |
| Oklahoma | $39,670 |
| Oregon | $48,060 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,150 |
| Rhode Island | $50,680 |
| South Carolina | $42,620 |
| Tennessee | $43,700 |
| Texas | $47,480 |
| Utah | $44,020 |
| Vermont | $43,580 |
| Virginia | $49,830 |
| Washington | $52,470 |
| West Virginia | $34,270 |
| Wisconsin | $48,350 |
| Wyoming | $41,010 |
What Tools do Computer Operators Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Computer Operators:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Structured query language SQL
- Linux
- IBM Notes
- UNIX
- Practical extraction and reporting language Perl
- Microsoft Exchange Server
- IBM Power Systems software
Becoming a Computer Operator
Learn what Computer Operator education requirements there are.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Computer Operator?
Where do Computer Operators Work?
Computer Operators work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
Those who work as a Computer Operator sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Kenneth Jensen via Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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