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The differences between computer operators and computer analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a computer operator, becoming a computer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a computer analyst has an average salary of $75,852, which is higher than the $42,722 average annual salary of a computer operator.
The top three skills for a computer operator include CAD, customer service and computer system. The most important skills for a computer analyst are computer system, troubleshoot, and C++.
| Computer Operator | Computer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $42,722 | $75,852 |
| Hourly rate | $20.54 | $36.47 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 39,579 | 75,369 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A computer operator is responsible for overseeing a network or group of computers, making sure that all systems are running smoothly and efficiently. A computer operator's duties may also revolve around troubleshooting and resolving issues on hardware and software, processing data, designing a particular and secure database, and suggesting system improvements when necessary. Furthermore, there must be an active line of communication and coordination with the other staff or management, as most of the work will revolve around a team setting.
A computer analyst is responsible for generating technical solutions to improve operational efficiency and processes. Computer analysts create models for system applications and perform upgrades on software and hardware networks to boost optimization. They also develop strategic methods to enhance the performance of existing systems and identify inconsistencies for immediate resolution. A computer analyst must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in managing the security of computer data and setting the configuration and accessibility of networks for authorized users.
Computer operators and computer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Operator | Computer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $42,722 | $75,852 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $63,000 | Between $57,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Washington |
| Best paying company | NTT Data International L.L.C. | Citi |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer operator and a computer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Computer Operator | Computer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer operators' and computer analysts' demographics:
| Computer Operator | Computer Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0% | Male, 71.4% Female, 28.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 12.3% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |