Computer operator vs computer technician

The differences between computer operators and computer technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a computer operator and a computer technician. Additionally, a computer operator has an average salary of $42,722, which is higher than the $39,767 average annual salary of a computer technician.

The top three skills for a computer operator include CAD, customer service and computer system. The most important skills for a computer technician are customer service, desk support, and network printers.

Computer operator vs computer technician overview

	Computer Operator	Computer Technician
Yearly salary	$42,722	$39,767
Hourly rate	$20.54	$19.12
Growth rate	10%	10%
Number of jobs	39,579	95,688
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age	43	42
Years of experience	2	2

What does a computer operator do?

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.

What does a computer technician do?

Computer technicians are skilled information technology professionals who handle concerns related to computers. They are responsible for assisting clients in software installations, troubleshooting needs, and repair needs. Computer technicians handle the maintenance and repair of both software and hardware of computers. They should be able to quickly pinpoint the causes of computer problems that the client encounters. They should also be able to answer the clients' computer-related inquiries and provide advice on proper computer handling. Computer technicians should have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.

Computer operator vs computer technician salary

Computer operators and computer technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Computer Operator	Computer Technician
Average salary	$42,722	$39,767
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $63,000	Between $28,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Alexandria, VA
Highest paying state	New York	Virginia
Best paying company	NTT Data International L.L.C.	The Citadel
Best paying industry	Technology	Government

Differences between computer operator and computer technician education

There are a few differences between a computer operator and a computer technician in terms of educational background:

	Computer Operator	Computer Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Pennsylvania

Computer operator vs computer technician demographics

Here are the differences between computer operators' and computer technicians' demographics:

	Computer Operator	Computer Technician
Average age	43	42
Gender ratio	Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0%	Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0%
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, 11.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 11.1% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	10%	11%

Differences between computer operator and computer technician duties and responsibilities

Computer operator example responsibilities.

Manage and control administration on DoD local, and wide area networks.
Manage peripheral operations of BARR systems (PC base RJE workstations), storage devices, and Litton laser printers.
Manage certificate revocation list, update expired certificates, ensuring DMS availability.
Manage multi-person team providing operational and investigative support to USAF and DoD counterparts.
Perform operator tasks, troubleshoot IMS, hardware, and system problems.
Serve in computer operations in supporting mainframe MVS, TPF, and VM operating systems.

Computer technician example responsibilities.

Recreate and manage company website, maintain regular updates, manage DNS servers, administrate e-mail and outlook exchange server.
Manage and maintain desktop security updates company-wide with no downtime of systems due to OS vulnerability exploitation.
Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
Add and configure networked printers for TCP/IP printing and other peripheral equipment including video conferencing equipment.
Diagnose and troubleshot computer hardware and software.
Fix computers, do inventory of computers, run cables.

Computer operator vs computer technician skills

Common computer operator skills

CAD, 18%
Customer Service, 10%
Computer System, 9%
IBM Mainframe, 6%
Laser Printers, 4%
Unix, 4%

Common computer technician skills

Customer Service, 13%
Desk Support, 8%
Network Printers, 6%
Computer System, 6%
Technical Support, 6%
Laptop Computers, 5%

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Office and Administrative Industry
Computer Operator
Computer Operator vs Computer Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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