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What You Need to Know About Computer Operator

Computer Operator Definition 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.

Life As a Computer Operator

  • Monitor the system for equipment failure or errors in performance.
  • Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.
  • Retrieve, separate, and sort program output as needed, and send data to specified users.
  • Enter commands, using computer terminal, and activate controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment.
  • Operate spreadsheet programs and other types of software to load and manipulate data and to produce reports.
  • Clear equipment at end of operating run and review schedule to determine next assignment.

What a Computer Operator Should Know

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.

Types of Computer Operator Jobs

  • Peripheral EDP Equipment Operator
  • Control Room Operator
  • Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist)
  • Card Tape Converter Operator
  • Peripheral Equipment Operator

Job Outlook for Computer Operators

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 51,500 jobs in the United States for Computer Operator. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Computer Operator. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,400 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

Salary for a Computer Operator

The typical yearly salary for Computer Operators is somewhere between $27,490 and $65,130.

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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 & Technology do Computer Operators Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Computer Operators may use on a daily basis:

How to Become a Computer Operator

Individuals working as a Computer Operator have obtained the following education levels:

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Computer Operator?

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Computer Operators Sector

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Computer Operators work in the following industries:

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You May Also Be Interested In…

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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