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What Does it Take to Be a Computer Operator?

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?

  • Supervise and train peripheral equipment operators and computer operator trainees.
  • Operate spreadsheet programs and other types of software to load and manipulate data and to produce reports.
  • Enter commands, using computer terminal, and activate controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment.
  • Notify supervisor or computer maintenance technicians of equipment malfunctions.
  • Record information such as computer operating time, problems that occurred, and actions taken.
  • Respond to program error messages by finding and correcting problems or terminating the program.

Computer Operator Required Skills

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.

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

  • Imaging Specialist
  • Debug Technician
  • Encoding Machine Operator
  • Computer Operator
  • Office Automation Clerk

Are There Job Opportunities for Computer Operators?

In the United States, there were 51,500 jobs for Computer Operator in 2016. 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.

Do Computer Operators Make A Lot Of Money?

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.

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

Tools & Technologies Used by Computer Operators

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

Becoming a Computer Operator

Learn what Computer Operator education requirements there are.

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What work experience do I need to become a Computer Operator?

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Who Employs Computer Operators?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Are you already one of the many Computer Operator in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: Kenneth Jensen via Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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