What You Need to Know About Computer Operator
Computer Operator Example 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.
List of Computer Operator Job Duties
- Supervise and train peripheral equipment operators and computer operator trainees.
- Help programmers and systems analysts test and debug new programs.
- Record information such as computer operating time, problems that occurred, and actions taken.
- Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.
- Oversee the operation of computer hardware systems, including coordinating and scheduling the use of computer terminals and networks to ensure efficient use.
- Notify supervisor or computer maintenance technicians of equipment malfunctions.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Computer Operator?
These are the skills Computer Operators say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Operations and Maintenance Technician
- Office Automation Clerk
- Card Tape Converter Operator
- Equipment Operator
- Environmental Web Crawler
Is There Going to be Demand 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. 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.
Salary for a Computer Operator
The typical yearly salary for Computer Operators is somewhere between $27,490 and $65,130.
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
How do I Become a Computer Operator?
Individuals working as a Computer Operator have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Computer Operators Are Employed
Computer Operators work in the following industries:
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
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