All About Computer Operators
Example of Computer Operator Job 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.
What Do Computer Operators Do On a Daily Basis?
- Operate spreadsheet programs and other types of software to load and manipulate data and to produce reports.
- Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.
- Load peripheral equipment with selected materials for operating runs, or oversee loading of peripheral equipment by peripheral equipment operators.
- Supervise and train peripheral equipment operators and computer operator trainees.
- Retrieve, separate, and sort program output as needed, and send data to specified users.
- Type command on keyboard to transfer encoded data from memory unit to magnetic tape and assist in labeling, classifying, cataloging and maintaining tapes.
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Skills Needed to be a Computer Operator
Computer Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Other Computer Operator Job Titles
- Systems Operator
- Computer Console Operator
- Information Systems Operator
- Data Center Operator
- Micro Computer Data Processor
Job Opportunities for Computer Operators
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. The BLS estimates 3,400 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
How Much Does a Computer Operator Make?
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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Computer Operators 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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Computer Operators may use on a daily basis:
- 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
How to Become a Computer Operator
Education needed to be a Computer Operator:
What work experience do I need to become a Computer Operator?
Where Computer Operators Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Computer Operators work:
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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
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